Accessory for use with electronic device and cover

ABSTRACT

An electrical accessory for use with a portable electronic device and with a protective cover for the portable electronic device is provided. The electrical accessory includes a body, electrical circuitry, and an electrical connector. The body is configured to slidably attach to a back side surface of the protective cover to removably affix the electrical accessory to the protective cover. The electrical circuitry includes wireless communication circuitry configured to wirelessly exchange data with the portable electronic device when the electrical accessory is removably affixed to the protective cover. The electrical connector is affixed to the body of the electrical accessory and configured to removably connect to an external power source for receiving electrical power from the external power source. The electrical accessory may also include a speaker.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/043,721, filed Feb. 15, 2016, and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/128,415, filed Mar. 4, 2015, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Personal electronic devices are commonly used for communication andentertainment purposes. Examples of personal electronic devices includesmartphones, tablets, audio players, video players, cameras, portablecomputers, two-way radios, and GPS receivers. As these devices become anincreasingly important part of peoples' daily activities, it isdesirable to create new protective cases that not only protectelectronic devices from damage, but also serve other useful purposes. Aspersonal electronic devices proliferate, there is a need to use suchdevices together while minimizing the effort to carry and connect them.

SUMMARY

In one example, an electrical accessory for use with a portableelectronic device and with a protective cover for the portableelectronic device is provided. The protective cover is adapted toreceive and at least partially enclose the portable electronic device.The electrical accessory includes a body, an electrical connector, andelectrical circuitry. The body includes a back portion and a bottomportion. The back portion is slidably attachable to a back side surfaceof the protective cover to removably affix the electrical accessory tothe back side surface of the protective cover. The bottom portion isadapted to be proximate a bottom side surface of the protective coverwhen the electrical accessory is removably affixed to the protectivecover. The electrical connector is affixed to the bottom portion of thebody of the electrical accessory. The electrical connector is positionedto electrically interconnect to an electrical port of the portableelectronic device when the electrical accessory is removably affixed tothe protective cover and when the portable electronic device isinstalled in the protective cover. The electrical circuitry is connectedto the electrical connector of the electrical accessory. The electricalcircuitry is adapted to electrically interact with the portableelectronic device through the electrical connector of the electricalaccessory when the electrical accessory is removably affixed to theprotective cover and when the portable electronic device is installed inthe protective cover.

In another example, an electrical accessory for use with a portableelectronic device and with a protective cover for the portableelectronic device includes a body, electrical circuitry, and anelectrical connector. The body is configured to slidably attach to aback side surface of the protective cover to removably affix theelectrical accessory to the protective cover. The electrical circuitryincludes wireless communication circuitry configured to wirelesslyexchange data with the portable electronic device when the electricalaccessory is removably affixed to the protective cover. The electricalconnector is affixed to the body of the electrical accessory andconfigured to removably connect to an external power source forreceiving electrical power from the external power source. Theelectrical accessory may also include a speaker.

In another example, a modular accessory system includes a cover for anelectronic device and an electrical accessory of the type describedherein.

In another example, an electrical adapter may be a separate componentfrom the electrical accessory and the cover.

In yet another example, a modular accessory for attachment to a case ofa portable electronic device may include an outer casing. The outercasing may enclose an interior cavity and may have a first majorexterior surface. The modular accessory may have two parallel sides atopposite edges of the first major exterior surface. Rails may be formedalong the two parallel sides of the first major surface, and may each bestructured to slidably engage a rail receiver of a case for a portableelectronic device. The first major surface faces the case when the railsare engaged with the rail receivers.

The protective case may include a protective shell and at least two railreceivers. The protective shell may include a back portion and foursides, the back portion having a rear, external surface and a front,internal surface opposite the rear external surface. The four sides eachextend in a substantially same direction at perimeter edges of thefront, internal surface. The four sides are structured to contact andsecurely hold corresponding sides of the mobile electronic device whenthe mobile electronic device is at least partially covered by theprotective shell. The front, internal surface is structured to contact acorresponding back portion of the mobile electronic device.

The at least two rail receivers are disposed along opposing edges of therear, external surface and are structure. The rail receivers slidablyreceive and securely retain at least one modular accessory having railsthat engage the rail receivers when a modular accessory is installed onthe protective shell.

In accord with the disclosure, a protective case for a personalelectronic device includes a protective shell and at least one removableaccessory. The protective shell includes a rear, exterior surface, afront, interior surface, and one or more side walls. The rear, exteriorsurface having a substantially planar element. The substantially planarelement has at least one retaining feature structured to receive andremovably hold at least one accessory. The front, interior surface isdisposed opposed the rear, exterior surface, and contacts a rear surfaceof the personal electronic device when the protective case coves atleast a portion of the personal electronic device. The one or more sidewalls extend in a first direction at respective perimeter edges of theprotective shell, and are formed to contact respective side portions ofthe personal electronic device. The at least one removable accessoryincludes a retention feature formed to join with the at least oneretaining feature of the rear exterior surface of the protective shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a rear view of a protective case with a compartment forstoring items. FIG. 1B shows a front perspective view of the protectivecase of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows a side perspective view of the protectivecase of FIG. 1A with a sliding drawer in an open position.

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 1,where a sliding drawer is completely detached from a back side surfaceof the protective case.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with acompartment.

FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 3with a compartment door in an open position revealing a driver's licensestored within the compartment.

FIG. 5A shows a rear perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 3with the compartment door in an open position. FIG. 5B shows a rear viewof the protective case of FIG. 5A with the compartment door in a closedposition. FIG. 5C shows a rear perspective view of the protective caseof FIG. 5A with the compartment door in an open position exposing adriver's license stored within the compartment. FIG. 5D shows a rearperspective view of the protective case of FIG. 5A with the compartmentdoor in a closed position.

FIG. 6A shows a protective case with a first slot configured to receiveand store a first card and a second slot configured to receive and storea second card. FIG. 6B shows a close up view of a portion of theprotective case of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C shows the protective case of FIG. 6Awith a card partially inserted.

FIGS. 7A-7C show three protective cases, each having a slot configuredto receive a card, and each having a mechanism for ejecting the cardfrom the slot.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the protective case of FIG.6A taken along section A-A and exposing a first slot and a second slotwithin the protective case, where the first and second slots are eachconfigured to receive and store a card.

FIG. 9 shows a rear cross-sectional view of the protective case of FIG.6A exposing a portion of a rack and pinion style ejection mechanism anda credit card positioned within the first slot, where the section istaken along a plane that is parallel to and offset from a rear planarsurface of the protective case and perpendicular to both the top andbottom planar surfaces of the protective case.

FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a protective case with acompartment door in a partially open position revealing dedicatedlocations for storing credit cards, cash, and subscriber identity module(“SIM”) cards within the compartment.

FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with acompartment door in an open position revealing four pass throughlocations adapted to receive one or more SIM cards against a flexiblecushion layer.

FIG. 12A shows an enlarged front view of a SIM card storage unit andFIG. 12B shows a front perspective view of a protective case with acompartment door in an open position revealing a removable SIM cardstorage unit positioned within a compartment in the protective case.

FIG. 13 shows a protective case having a compartment door in an openposition exposing three SIM cards arranged side by side within acompartment.

FIG. 14A shows a rear view of a protective case with a compartment tostore items and pockets within an interior surface of the case, wherethe pockets are configured to capture and safely store one or more SIMcards. FIG. 14B shows a front perspective view of the protective case ofFIG. 14A containing three SIM cards, each stored in a pocket disposedwithin an interior surface of the protective case. FIG. 14C shows a sideperspective view of the protective case of FIG. 14A containing three SIMcards, each stored in a pocket disposed within an interior surface ofthe protective case, and a credit card disposed in a compartment formedin a sliding compartment door.

FIG. 15A shows a front perspective view of a protective case with acompartment, where the case includes dedicated storage slots for SIMcards in a rear portion of the case. FIG. 15B shows a rear perspectiveview of the protective case of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16 shows a front perspective view of a protective case with acompartment, where the case includes storage slots for one or more SIMcards in the sliding drawer.

FIG. 17A shows a rear view of a protective case with a compartment,where the compartment is adapted to receive a credit card,identification card, or a storage tray containing a plurality of memorystoring devices. FIG. 17B shows a front view of the protective case ofFIG. 17A. FIG. 17C shows a side perspective view of the protective caseof FIG. 17A. FIG. 17D shows memory storage devices which can be usedwith the protective case of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 shows a storage tray that is adapted to receive one or more of aSIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, and micro SD card.

FIG. 19 shows a storage tray that is adapted to receive one or more of aSIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, SD card, and micro SD card.

FIG. 20 shows a front perspective view of a storage tray that is adaptedto receive one or more of a SIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, SDcard, and micro SD card.

FIG. 21 shows a rear perspective view of a storage tray that is adaptedto receive one or more of a SIM card, micro SIM card, nano SIM card, SDcard, and micro SD card.

FIG. 22A shows a rear perspective view of a protective case that isadapted to receive and electrically connect one or more SIM cards to aSIM port of an electronic device housed in the protective case. FIG. 22Bshows internal components of the protective case of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 23A shows a front view of a protective case adapted to receive amodular accessory. FIG. 23B shows a rear perspective view of theprotective case of FIG. 23A.

FIGS. 24A-24C show an exploded front view, bottom rear perspective, andtop front perspective views, respectively, of a protective case adaptedto receive a modular accessory.

FIG. 25 shows a bottom perspective view of a protective case adapted toreceive a modular accessory.

FIG. 26 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with modularaccessory according to the disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows an end view of a modular accessory having a physicalconnection system.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing electronic components of a protectivecase according to the disclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case with modularaccessory according to the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the modular accessory of FIG. 29along 30-30 according to the disclosure.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are, respectively, side perspective and bottomperspective views of a protective case having a physical connectionsystem according to another disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a protective case adapted tosimultaneously receive at least two modular accessories.

FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate front views of a disclosed modularaccessory embodiment having a cavity accessible from an interior surfaceof the modular accessory. FIG. 33C illustrates a side view of themodular accessory of FIG. 33B.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing electrical components for use in amodular accessory.

FIG. 35A shows a back perspective view of a protective case with modularaccessory having a speaker. FIG. 35B shows a front view of theprotective case of FIG. 35A.

FIGS. 36A-36D show various views a protective case having a cavity for aremote control device and the remote control device.

FIG. 37 shows a protective case according to the disclosure with amodular accessory that provides a folio cover.

FIG. 38 illustrates a super-modular accessory according to a disclosedembodiment.

FIG. 39 shows the super-modular accessory of FIG. 38 with an optionalkeyboard and attachment support.

FIG. 40 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a protective case witha modular accessory, along with an adapter for electrically connectingthe modular accessory to the case and/or encased electronic device.

FIG. 41 is a side perspective view of the adapter in FIG. 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As provided above, an electronic device, such as a portable electronicdevice, may include a smartphone (such as an iPhone®), a personaldigital assistant, a camera, an audio player, an audio recording device,a medical instrument, an electronic tool, a radio, an illuminationdevice such as a flashlight, a firearm, a game console, a key fob, orthe like, or any combination thereof. A disclosed case may in certainembodiments contact a back and at least two perimeter sides of a smartphone. In other embodiments, a case may contact all perimeter sides ofthe smartphone. In yet another embodiment, the case may contact the backand all perimeter sides of the smartphone.

In many instances, it can be desirable to have a protective case 100that is capable of accessibly storing a wide variety of personal items,such as cash, keys, computer memory cards, payment cards (e.g. debit orcredit cards), employee badge, and/or a driver's license; or ofremovably holding a number of interchangeable accessories, such as astorage accessory. The ability to store items in protective case 100 canallow a user to leave their wallet or purse at home when only relativelysmall items need to be transported.

The solutions described herein include a variety of protective cases,each having a compartment for storing items and/or for holdingelectronic components that can perform electronic functions of the caseor to enhance function of an encased device. Unlike conventionalwallets, which rely on leather or fabric sleeves to retain a payment oridentification card and leave a portion of the card exposed, thesolutions described herein do not leave the card exposed whatsoever andthereby provide greater security against theft or loss of the card.Also, the solutions described herein provide far greater protection fromdamage for stored items than traditional purses and wallets, and in someexamples, also provide protection against liquids, dirt, and/or dust byincorporating a sealing compartment. Various examples of protectivecases with compartments are presented in the accompanying figures andare described in detail below. Similarly, solutions described hereinprovide a case that securely, but removably, receives any of one or moreinterchangeable modular accessories.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-C and 2, a protective case 100 for a personalelectronic device can include sliding drawer 105 configured to receive acard 165, such as a payment card or driver's license. The sliding drawer105 can slidably attach to a back side surface 150, as shown in FIG. 2,of the protective case 100. The card 165 can reside in a compartmentlocated within the protective case. In one example, the compartment canbe a volume bounded, in part, by the inner surface of the sliding drawer105 and the back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. The card165 can be accessible when the sliding drawer 105 is in an openedposition, as shown in FIG. 1C, and can be completely concealed when thesliding drawer is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 1A. The card165 can nest inside the sliding drawer 105 such that the card is visibleto the user when the sliding drawer is opened and the user is viewing adisplay screen of the personal electronic device. This configuration canpermit the user to retrieve the card 165 from the sliding drawer 105while holding the electronic device is an orientation that permits theuser to continue viewing and interacting with the display screen of theelectronic device. In some instances, the user may be submitting paymentinformation through a website accessed with the electronic device. Toview a credit card number for entry, the user may simply open thesliding drawer, view the number, and enter the number into a paymentfiled on the website.

The sliding drawer 105 can have an inner surface 175 that is configuredto accommodate a standard card. Specifically, the inner surface 175 ofthe sliding drawer 105 can define a rectangular cavity having a lengthof about 3.38 inches and a width of about 2.13 inches. In one instance,the dimensions of the inner surface 175 of the sliding drawer 105 can beslightly larger than the dimensions of a standard card to ease insertionand removal of the card into and from, respectively, the sliding drawer.For instance, the rectangular cavity within the sliding drawer can havea length of about 3.38-3.40, 3.38-3.43, 3.38-3.48, or 3.38-3.58 inchesand a width of about 2.13-2.15, 2.13-2.18, 2.13-2.23, or 2.13-2.33inches

The sliding drawer 105 can include a relief 170, as shown in FIG. 1C,which can be about the size of a fingertip and can make the card easierto retrieve from the sliding drawer. The relief 170 can be centrallylocated along the bottom edge of the sliding drawer 105. Alternately,the relief can be located at the left or right side of the bottom edgeof the sliding drawer 105 or along the right side edge or left side edgeof the sliding drawer.

The sliding drawer 105 can attach to the protective case 100 using arail system. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-C and 2, the slidingdrawer 105 can include a first rail 125 disposed along a first edge ofthe sliding drawer and a second rail 130 disposed along a second edge ofthe sliding drawer, where the first edge of the sliding drawer isopposite the second edge of the sliding drawer. The protective case 100can include a first rail receiver 140 located proximate a first edge ofthe back side surface 150 and a second rail receiver 145 locatedproximate a second edge of the back side surface. The first railreceiver 140 can be configured to receive the first rail 125 on thesliding drawer 105, and the second rail receiver 145 can be configuredto receive the second rail 130 on the sliding drawer.

In an alternate configuration, the sliding drawer 105 can include afirst rail receiver disposed along a first edge and a second railreceiver disposed along a second edge, where the first edge of thesliding drawer is opposite the second edge of the sliding drawer. Theprotective case 100 can include a first rail located proximate a firstedge of the back side surface 150 of the protective case and a secondrail located proximate a second edge of the back side surface. The firstrail can be configured to engage the first rail receiver, and where thesecond rail can be configured to engage the second rail on the slidingdrawer when the sliding drawer is attached to the protective case.

The sliding drawer 105 can include one or more detents 160 configured tosecure the sliding drawer in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 1C, thedetents 160 can be raised semi-spherical detents that are configured toengage in correspondingly shaped recesses 155 located on the back sidesurface 150 of the protective case 100. Although the detents 160 areshown proximate a bottom edge of the sliding drawer 105 in FIG. 1C, thisis not limiting. The detents 160 can be located in any suitablelocation. For instance, the detents 160 could be located proximate a topedge of the sliding drawer 105.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-C and 2, the protective case 100 can include aflexible cushion layer 110 that fits within a cavity of a structurallayer 115. The flexible cushion layer 110 can absorb and dissipateimpact forces associated with dropping the protective case onto theground. The flexible cushion layer 110 can cover at least a back surfaceof the personal electronic device. The flexible cushion layer 110 canalso cover a top surface and a bottom surface of the electronic deviceas well as left side surface and a right side surface of the electronicdevice. As a result of this surface coverage, the flexible cushion layer110 can protect the electronic device from scuffs, scratches, or othersurface damage.

The flexible cushion layer 110 can be made of any suitable material,such as a saturated or unsaturated elastomer. Examples of suitablematerials include, but are not limited to, silicon rubbers andthermoplastic elastomers (TPE), including silicone-based thermoplastics.The flexible cushion layer 110 can have any suitable hardness. In oneexample, the flexible cushion layer 110 can have a hardness of 30-70,30-50, or 40-50 Shore A. The flexible cushion layer 110 can be formedthrough an injection molding process or other suitable manufacturingprocess. The flexible cushion layer 110 can have a thickness of about0.005 to 0.25, 0.005 to 0.1, 0.01 to 0.08, 0.01 to 0.06, 0.01 to 0.05,or 0.01 to 0.04 in.

The structural layer 115 can be made from any suitable material such asa thermoplastic polymer. The structural layer 115 can include metal,wood, polycarbonate (PC), nylon, composite (e.g. carbon fibercomposite), or glass filled nylon. Alternately, any other material, orcombination of materials, that provide suitable rigidity to theprotective enclosure 100 can be used in manufacturing the structurallayer 115.

The protective case 100 can include a retention spring 120 extendingfrom a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100, as shown inFIG. 2. The retention spring 120 can be configured to provide a springforce against an inner surface 175 of the sliding drawer 105 to resistopening of the sliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closedposition. The retention spring 120 can include a first end that isattached to the back side surface 150 and a second end that is oppositethe first end. The second end of the retention spring 120 can include adetent or other suitable retention feature configured to engage acorresponding retention feature located on an inner surface 175 of thesliding drawer 105. In another example, the retention spring 120 can beconfigured to provide a spring force against a card 165 located in thesliding drawer 105 compartment, thereby pressing the card against theinner surface 175 of the sliding drawer and preventing the card fromrattling within the compartment.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the protective case 200 can include a compartmentdoor 205 located proximate a back side surface 210 of the protectivecase. The compartment door 205 can open to permit access to acompartment located within the protective case 200. The compartment canbe configured to receive a card 165, as shown in FIG. 4. In anotherexample, the compartment can be configured to receive cash or personalitems such as, for example, a key, ring, cosmetics (e.g. powder), toolsfor cosmetics (e.g. cosmetic brushes), or lip balm. In one example, theprotective case 100 can serve as a suitable replacement for a compactand can include a mirror, pressed or loose powder, and a powderapplication tool, such as a brush or puff. The protective case 100 caninclude a quantity of cosmetics (e.g. pressed powder) disposed within acosmetics receptacle, such as a shallow container, formed in thecompartment. A cosmetic tool for applying the cosmetics can be removablyattached to an inner surface of the compartment. The cosmetic tool canbe attached to the inner surface of the compartment with adhesive, hookand loop fastener, snap fit, keeper, or any other suitable method ofattachment. In one example, the cosmetic tool can be stored into a longslender opening in the protective case, similar to the way a stylus isstored within certain handheld computers.

A mirror can be attached to an inner surface of the compartment door205, sliding drawer 105, or to a back side surface 150 of the protectivecase (e.g. 100, 200). The mirror can be attached with adhesive or anyother suitable fastener. The mirror can include a substrate materialcoated with a reflective material such as, for example, glass coatedwith a thin layer of silver or aluminum. To provide a durable mirrorthat can withstand drops without shattering, the mirror can be made ofGORILLA GLASS coated with a thin layer of silver or aluminum. In otherexamples, the mirror can be made of polished metal or metal foil and maynot include glass.

The compartment door 205 can be attached to the protective case 200 by ahinge 215. The hinge 215 can be a living hinge. In one example, theliving hinge can be made of the same material as the compartment door205, but can be significantly thinner to permit flexing. In anotherexample, the living hinge can be overmolded onto the compartment door205 and can include a thermoplastic elastomer.

The compartment door 205 can include a first recess 220 and a secondrecess 225. The first and second recesses (220, 225) can allow the userto secure an opposable grip on the compartment door 205. Specifically,the user can place a thumb in either the first or second recesses (220,225) and a forefinger in the remaining recess. By pinching thecompartment door 205 at the first and second recesses simultaneously,retention features on the compartment door can release from the backside surface 210 of the protective case 200, thereby permitting the userto open and access the compartment and also providing a multi-stepprocess that prevents inadvertent opening of the compartment.

The protective case 200 can include a card clip 230, as shown in FIG. 4.The card clip 230 can provide a compressive force that presses the card165 against the back side surface 210 of the protective case 200 whenthe card is stored in the compartment. The compressive force can preventthe card 165 from falling out of the compartment if the compartment door205 opens inadvertently. In one example, the card clip 230 can be springloaded to provide a suitable compressive force against the card 165. Inanother example, the clearance between the back side surface 210 and aninner surface of the card clip 230 can be sufficiently narrow to providea suitable compressive force against the card 165. In this example, theclearance between the back side surface 210 and an inner surface of thecard clip 230 may be less than the thickness of the card 165, and thecard clip may deflect outwardly slightly to accommodate the card.

As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the protective case 300 can include a first slot305 that serves as a compartment for storing a first card 165. Theprotective case 300 can include an ejection mechanism disposed withinthe protective case 300. The ejection mechanism can be connected to adial 315. A recess 320 of the dial 315 may be offset from a centralrotation axis of the dial 315 to aid in rotation of the dial via auser's finger. Rotation of the dial 315 in a first direction can causethe ejection mechanism to eject the first card 165 from the first slot305 entirely. Alternately, rotation of the dial 315 in a first directioncan cause the ejection mechanism to eject at least a portion of thefirst card 165 from the first slot 305, as shown in FIG. 6C. Forinstance, rotation of the dial 315 in a first direction can cause about1-5%, 5-15%, 15-30%, 30-50%, or 50-75% of the first card 165 to beejected from the first slot 305, which can permit the user to easilygrasp and withdraw the first card form the first slot.

The protective case 300 can include a second slot 310 that serves as acompartment for storing one or more cards, such as card 165. Rotation ofthe dial 315 in a second direction, opposite the first direction, cancause the ejection mechanism to eject the second card 165 from thesecond slot entirely. Alternately, rotation of the dial 315 in a seconddirection, opposite the first direction, can cause the ejectionmechanism to eject at least a portion of the second card 165 from thesecond slot 310, as shown in FIG. 7A. For instance, rotation of the dial315 in a second direction can cause about 1-5%, 5-15%, 15-30%, 30-50, or50-75% of the second card 165 to be ejected from the second slot 310,which can permit the user to easily grasp and withdraw the card from thesecond slot.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the protective case 300 ofFIG. 6A taken along section A-A. FIG. 9 shows a rear cross-sectionalview of the protective case 300 of FIG. 6A. The first and second slots(305, 310) can be arranged in a stacked configuration. In one example,the first slot 305 can be positioned between the back side surface 325and the second slot 310, as shown in FIG. 8. In another example, thesecond slot 310 can be positioned between the back side surface 325 andthe first slot 305. To maintain a thin protective case, the first andsecond slots (305, 310) can be separated by a thin divider.

The ejection mechanism can include any suitable mechanical components toconvert rotational motion from the dial 315 into translational motionrequired to eject the card from the slot (e.g. 305, 310). In oneexample, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ejection mechanism can include arack and pinion system configured to convert rotational motion from thedial 315 into translational motion required to eject the card 165 fromthe slot (e.g. 305, 310). The dial 315 can include a first gearconfigured to engage a second gear 340, as shown in FIG. 8. The secondgear 340 can be attached to a shaft that extends downward from thesecond gear and through the first and second slots (305, 310). The shaftcan include a first pinion 345 configured to engage a first rack 330disposed in the first slot 305, as shown in FIG. 9. The shaft can alsoinclude a second pinion 350 configured to engage a second rack 335disposed in the second slot 310, as shown in FIG. 10. The first rack 330can include a finger portion that engages a side edge of the card 165.In the example shown in FIG. 9, rotation of the first pinion 345 in aclockwise direction will cause the first rack 330 to travel leftward,causing the finger portion to apply a force against the side of the card165, thereby causing at least a portion of the card to eject from thefirst slot 305.

The ejection mechanism can include a clutch or other suitable mechanismto prevent the first card from being ejected when the user rotates thedial 315 to eject the second card. For instance, the ejection mechanismcan include a first clutch located between the shaft and the firstpinion 345. The first clutch can disengage when the shaft is rotated ina first direction, resulting in the first pinion 345 remainingstationary and the first card 165 remaining in the first slot 305.Likewise, the ejection mechanism can include a clutch or other suitablemechanism to prevent the second card from being ejected when the userrotates the dial 315 to eject the first card. For instance, the ejectionmechanism can include a second clutch located between the shaft and thesecond pinion 350. The second clutch can disengage when the shaft isrotated in a second direction, resulting in the second pinion 350remaining stationary and the second card remaining in the second slot310.

To prevent the cards from inadvertently exiting the slots (305, 310)during everyday use, each slot can be sized to provide a slightinterference fit between the card and interior surfaces of the slot. Inone example, the interior surface of the slot can be covered with a softmaterial or fabric, which can deflect as the card is inserted into theslot. During the ejection process, the ejection mechanism can applysufficient force to the card to overcome resistance created by theinterference fit.

Although a rack and pinion system is shown and described in detail, thisdoes not limit the ejection mechanism. In another example, the ejectionmechanism can include a pulley and sprocket system. In yet anotherexample, the ejection mechanism can include a screw system that convertsrotational motion to translational motion.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the protective case 400 can include an ejectionmechanism that employs a slider. The slider 410 can include a catchconfigured to engage a side edge of the card 165 and push the card outof the slot 405 when the slider is actuated. Although only one slot 405is shown, the protective case 400 can include a second slot configuredto receive a second card.

As shown in FIG. 7C, the protective case 500 can include a slot 505configured to receive a card 165. The ejection mechanism can include adial 515 with a raised portion 520. The raised portion 520 can make thedial easier to grasp and rotate, which can be desirable for certainusers, such as those suffering from arthritis in their fingers. Althoughonly one slot 505 is shown, the protective case 500 can include a secondslot configured to receive a second card.

In one example, a protective case for a personal electronic device caninclude a sliding drawer configured to receive a card, where the slidingdrawer is slidably attached to a back side surface of the protectivecase, where the card is accessible when the sliding drawer is in anopened position, and where the card is completely concealed when thesliding drawer is in a closed position. The protective case can includea retention spring extending from a back side surface of the protectivecase. The retention spring can be configured to provide a spring forceagainst an inner surface of the sliding drawer to resist opening of thesliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Theretention spring can be configured to press the card against the innersurface of the sliding drawer and prevent the card from rattling withinthe sliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Thesliding drawer can include one or more detents configured to secure thesliding drawer in a closed position. The protective case can include astructural layer comprising a cavity, and a flexible cushion layerconfigured to cover at least a back surface of the personal electronicdevice and fit within the cavity of the structural layer.

In one configuration, the sliding drawer can include a first raildisposed along a first edge and a second rail disposed along a secondedge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer is opposite the secondedge of the sliding drawer, where the protective case includes a firstrail receiver located proximate a first edge of the back side surfaceand a second rail receiver located proximate a second edge of the backside surface, where the first rail receiver is configured to receive thefirst rail on the sliding drawer, and where the second rail receiver isconfigured to receive the second rail on the sliding drawer.

In another configuration, the sliding drawer can include a first railreceiver disposed along a first edge and a second rail receiver disposedalong a second edge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer isopposite the second edge of the sliding drawer, where the protectivecase includes a first rail located proximate a first edge of the backside surface and a second rail located proximate a second edge of theback side surface, where the first rail is configured to engage thefirst rail receiver, and where the second rail is configured to engagethe second rail on the sliding drawer when the sliding drawer isattached to the protective case.

The sliding drawer can include an inner surface having a rectangularcavity configured to receive a card, where the rectangular cavity has alength of about 3.38-3.48 inches and a width of about 2.13-2.23 inches.The card can be a payment card or a driver's license.

A protective case for a personal electronic device can include acompartment door located proximate a back side surface of the protectivecase, a hinge attaching the compartment door to the back side surface ofthe protective case, and a compartment defined by a volume locatedbetween the compartment door and the back side surface of the protectivecase, where the compartment is configured to receive a card, where thecard is accessible when the compartment door is in an opened position,and where the card is completely concealed when the compartment door isin a closed position. The hinge can be a living hinge and can be made ofa thermoplastic elastomer. The protective case can include a card clipextending from the back side surface of the protective case andconfigured to provide a compressive force against the card when the cardis inserted between the back side surface of the protective case and aninner surface of the card clip. The card clip can be spring loaded.

A protective case for a personal electronic device can include a firstslot configured to receive a first card, and an ejection mechanismconnected to a dial, where rotation of the dial in a first directioncauses the ejection mechanism to eject at least a portion of the firstcard from the first slot. The protective case can also include a secondslot configured to receive a second card, where rotation of the dial ina second direction opposite the first direction causes the ejectionmechanism to eject at least a portion of the second card from the secondslot. The first card can be a payment card, and the second card can be adriver's license.

A subscriber identity module (SIM) is an integrated circuit thatsecurely stores the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) andrelated key used to identify and authenticate a subscriber on a mobiletelephony telephonic device, such as mobile phone or computer. A SIMintegrated circuit can be embedded into a removable plastic card calleda “SIM card,” which can be transferred between different mobile devices.Each SIM card can contain one or more of the following features: aunique integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID), international mobilesubscriber identity (IMSI), security authentication and cipheringinformation, temporary information related to a local network, a list ofservices a user has access to, a password for a personal identificationnumber (PIN) for ordinary use, and a personal unblocking code (PUC) alsoknown as PIN unlock key (PUK) for PIN unlocking. SIM cards are availablein several sizes, including full-size and mini, micro, and nano sizes.

When traveling from a first country to a second country, a user may needto remove a first SIM card from the electronic device and replace itwith a second SIM card to permit the user to access a network in thesecond country. The second SIM card can also permit the user to have alocal telephone number in the second country, which may be desirable forcertain business reasons and for reducing call costs (e.g. by avoidingroaming costs). When the user removes the first SIM card, the user mustfind a safe place to store the first SIM card. Due to their small size,it is relatively easy to misplace or lose a SIM card, and due to theirfragile nature, it is relatively easy to damage a SIM card if not storedcarefully. To avoid this type of loss or damage, it can be desirable tohave a convenient place to store a SIM card immediately after it isremoved from the electronic device. In certain instances, a protectivecase for an electronic device can be adapted to store and protect one ormore SIM cards.

FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a protective case 100 for anelectronic device such as, for example, a smartphone or computer. Theprotective case 100 can include a sliding drawer 105, which is shown inan opened position revealing locations for a credit card, driver'slicense, cash, and one or more SIM cards 185. The sliding drawer 105 caninclude one or more partitions 180 that subdivide the inner surface 175of the sliding drawer 105 to accommodate one or more of the itemsmentioned above. In one example, the sliding drawer 105 can includepartitions 180 arranged to provide snap in locations for one or more SIMcards 185. Alternately, the inner surface 175 of the sliding drawer 105can include any suitable feature or mechanism to retain each SIM card185 and prevent each SIM card from moving around within the compartmentor potentially falling out of the compartment when the sliding drawer105 is opened.

FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of a protective case 100 for anelectronic device such as, for example, a smartphone or computer. Theprotective case 100 can include sliding drawer 105, which is shown in anopened position revealing one or more SIM cards 185 disposed within anopening 186 in a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. Theopening 186 can be adapted to receive one or more SIM cards 185. Asshown in FIG. 11, the opening (or pocket) 186 can pass through astructural layer 115 of the protective case 100 and thereby allow one ormore SIM cards to rest against the flexible cushion layer 110, which mayhelp to protect the SIM cards from drop-induced damage. Thisconfiguration may also provide more room inside the sliding drawer forstoring items such as credit cards, cash, or keys.

FIG. 12A shows a front view of a SIM card storage tray 190. FIG. 12Bshows a front perspective view of a protective case 100 with acompartment in an opened position revealing the removable SIM cardstorage tray 190. The SIM card storage tray 190 can include one or morestorage slots 195 adapted to receive one or more SIM cards 185. In oneinstance, a SIM card 185 can slide into a storage slot 195 and be heldin place by a friction fit. The SIM card storage unit 190 can be adaptedto fit within a compartment in the protective case 100. For instance,the SIM card storage tray 190 can have a length and width that aresimilar to a credit card 165, but the SIM card storage tray 190 may bethicker than a credit card 165 to accommodate and protect the one ormore SIM cards 185.

The SIM card storage tray 190 can be removable from the protective case100. A user may choose to keep the SIM card storage unit 190 in thesliding drawer 105 when traveling internationally to provide quickaccess to the one or more SIM cards stored therein, but the user maychoose to remove the SIM card storage unit 190 from the sliding drawerwhen not traveling and not frequently changing SIM cards. The removableSIM storage tray 190 can protect the one or more SIM cards from damageand can be stored, for example, in a suitcase or dresser drawer when notstored in the protective case 100. Removing the storage unit 190 fromthe compartment can free up space for cards, cash, or personal items.Consequently, having a removable SIM card storage tray 190 can increasethe functionality of the protective case 100 by allowing the carryingcapacity of the protective case to be modified depending on whether ornot frequent changing of SIM cards is anticipated.

In one example, a protective case 100 for a personal electronic devicecan include a sliding drawer adapted to receive a SIM card storage tray190, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B. The SIM card storage tray 190 caninclude one or more storage slots 195 each adapted to receive a SIMcard. The sliding drawer 105 can be slidably attached to a back sidesurface of the protective case 100. The SIM card storage tray 190 can beaccessible when the sliding drawer 105 is in an open position, and theSIM card storage tray can be concealed when the sliding drawer is in aclosed position.

FIG. 13 shows a protective case 100 with a sliding drawer 105. Thesliding drawer 105 is shown in an opened position revealing three SIMcards 185 separated by partitions 180. The partitions 180 can allow theSIM cards to be snapped into place for storage and protection. Thepartitions 180 can provide a friction fit that suitably retains each SIMcard in place, but also permits each SIM card to be removed relativelyeasily with a finger or a removal tool. For instance, at least onecorner of each SIM card may be exposed, as shown in FIG. 13, therebypermitting a user to free each SIM card using a finger.

FIGS. 14A-C show several views of a protective case 100 that is adaptedto store one or more SIM cards 185. The SIM cards 185 can be storedwithin the protective case 100 behind the electronic device. The insidesurface of the protective case 100 can include one or more openings eachadapted to receive a SIM card 185. As shown in FIG. 13, the protectivecase 100 can include three openings each adapted to receive a SIM card185. The openings can be formed in the flexible cushion layer 110. Eachopening can be slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the SIMcard, thereby permitting the SIM card to be pressed into the opening andbe retained by friction.

FIG. 15A shows a front perspective view of a protective case 100 for anelectronic device. The protective case 100 is adapted to receive andstore one or more SIM cards 185. Specifically, the protective case 100can include one or more storage slots 187 that are adapted to eachreceive a SIM card 185. The one or more storage slots 187 can be formedin the structural layer 115 of the protective case 100. In one example,each storage slot 187 can provide a friction fit that is suitable toretain each SIM card. In another example, each storage slot 187 caninclude a spring-loaded mechanism, which can be any of the various typesof spring-loaded mechanisms commonly used in flash and SD card slots indigital cameras and portable computers.

Removing the electronic device from the protective case 100 exposes thedevice to potential damage from, for example, drops. Therefore, it canbe desirable to change the SIM card 185 in the electronic device withoutremoving the electronic device from the protective case 100. Toaccomplish this, the protective case 100 can provide access to the SIMcard slot in the electronic device. For example, as shown in FIG. 15B,the protective case 100 can include an access flap 188 that allows auser to exchange the SIM card without removing the protective case. Theaccess flap 188 can be formed in the flexible cushion layer 110 of theprotective case 100 and can be attached to the flexible cushion layerby, for example, a living hinge.

As shown in FIG. 16, the protective case 100 can include a slidingdrawer or door 105 that is adapted to receive one or more SIM cards 185.The sliding drawer 105 can include one or more storage slots 187 eachadapted to receive a SIM card 185. Each SIM card 185 can slide into acorresponding storage slot 187 located on the inner surface 175 of thesliding drawer 105. When a SIM card 185 is installed in the storage slot187, a slight interference fit may be provided between opposing storageslot rails and the SIM card to ensure the SIM card does not unwantedlyexit the storage slot and bounce around within the compartment where itmight suffer damage under certain conditions. The rails of the storageslot can be formed by suitable manufacturing process, such as aninjection molding process.

A storage card 600 is shown in FIGS. 17C and 17D. The storage card 600can be adapted to receive and store a variety of items, such as a SIMcard 185, a removable memory card 605 (e.g. secure digital memory card),or a SIM eject tool 610 (e.g. paper clip). The storage card 600 can havea similar length and width as a credit card and can fit within a storagecompartment of a protective case 100. FIGS. 18 and 19 show a variety ofconfigurations of SIM cards 185, removable memory cards 605, and SIMeject tools 610 attached to various storage cards 600. FIG. 20 shows afront perspective view of two storage cards 600, and FIG. 21 shows arear perspective view of two storage cards. The front surface of thestorage cards 600 may include one or more pockets adapted to receive oneor more types of SIM cards, removable memory cards, or tools (e.g. SIMeject tools).

FIGS. 22A and 22B show a protective case 100 adapted to receive one ormore SIM cards 185. To avoid the step of physically exchanging SIMcards, the protective case 100 can include one or more SIM cards 185that are electrically connected to a SIM port on the electronic device.A user can select from among the one or more SIM cards 185 using aselector switch 615 located on an outer surface of the protective case100. For instance, when the user is travels from a first country to asecond country, the user can use the selector switch to electricallyconnect a SIM card that is compatible with a network in the secondcountry to the SIM port on the electronic device. This allows the userto easily select a SIM card without needing to remove the electronicdevice from the case and physically exchange the SIM cards.

In one example, a protective case 100 for a personal electronic devicecan include one or more storage slots each adapted to receive a uniqueSIM card 185. The one or more storage slots can each be electricallyconnected to a selector switch 615 that allows a user to manually selectwhich SIM card should be electrically connected to the electronic devicehoused within the protective case (see, e.g., FIGS. 22A and 22B). Thisfeature allows a user to travel between countries and, instead of havingto manually remove and replace the SIM card during each journey, theuser can simply use the selector switch 615 to choose the appropriateSIM card depending on location.

In one example, a protective case 100 for a personal electronic devicecan include a first slot 305 configured to receive a first card, such asa payment card (e.g. credit, debit, or gift card) or identification card(e.g. student identification card, driver's license, employee badge,medical insurance card, or Social Security card). The protective case100 can include an ejection mechanism connected to a dial (see, e.g.FIG. 7A), where rotation of the dial in a first direction causes theejection mechanism to eject at least a portion of the first card fromthe first slot 305, thereby permitting a user to easily retrieve thefirst card form the first slot. In some examples, the protective case100 can also include a second slot 310 configured to receive a secondcard, where rotation of the dial in a second direction opposite thefirst direction causes the ejection mechanism to eject at least aportion of the second card from the second slot, thereby allowing a userto easily retrieve the second card from the second slot. In someinstances, the dial can include a finger recess to enhance ease of useof use.

A protective case 100 for a personal electronic device can include asliding drawer 105 comprising an inner surface having a rectangularcavity configured to receive a credit or identification card 165. Therectangular cavity can have a length of about 3.38-3.48 inches and awidth of about 2.13-2.23 inches. The sliding drawer 105 can be slidablyattached to a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. Thecredit or identification card 165 can be accessible when the slidingdrawer 105 is in an open position, and the credit or identification cardcan be concealed when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Theprotective case 100 can include a compartment gasket disposed in agasket channel that extends around the perimeter of the back sidesurface of the protective case. The compartment gasket is configured toprovide a watertight seal against a sealing surface of the slidingdrawer 105 when the sliding drawer is in a closed position.

The protective case 100 can include a retention spring 120 extendingfrom a back side surface 150 of the protective case 100. The retentionspring 120 can be configured to press the card 165 against an innersurface of the sliding drawer and prevent the card from rattling withinthe sliding drawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position. Theretention spring can be configured to provide a spring force against aninner surface of the sliding drawer 105 to resist opening of the slidingdrawer when the sliding drawer is in a closed position.

In some examples, the protective case 100 can include a mirror that isadhered to or formed on an inner surface of the sliding drawer 105, themirror being visible when the sliding drawer is in an open position andbeing concealed when the sliding drawer is in a closed position.

In some examples, the sliding drawer 105 can include a first raildisposed along a first edge and a second rail disposed along a secondedge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer is opposite the secondedge of the sliding drawer. The protective case 100 can include a firstrail receiver located proximate a first edge of the back side surfaceand a second rail receiver located proximate a second edge of the backside surface. The first rail receiver can be configured to receive thefirst rail on the sliding drawer, and the second rail receiver isconfigured to receive the second rail on the sliding drawer toeffectively couple the sliding drawer 105 to the back side surface 150of the protective case 100.

In other examples, the sliding drawer 105 can include a first railreceiver disposed along a first edge and a second rail receiver disposedalong a second edge, where the first edge of the sliding drawer isopposite the second edge of the sliding drawer. The protective case 100can include a first rail located proximate a first edge of the back sidesurface and a second rail located proximate a second edge of the backside surface. The first rail can be configured to engage the first railreceiver, and the second rail can be configured to engage the secondrail on the sliding drawer to effectively couple the sliding drawer 105to the back side surface 150 of the protective case 100.

In some examples, the compartment can be a liquid-tight compartment thatprevents water-sensitive items stored in the compartment from beingdamaged if the protective case (e.g. 100, 200) is submersed in water oris exposed to precipitation. In some examples, a waterproof compartmentcan be combined with any of the waterproof protective cases (“housings”)that are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739, filedon Sep. 17, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/029,739, a housing 1 for an electronic devicecan include a top member 2 having a perimeter portion forming a proximalend portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions. The topmember 2 can include a front surface 25a and a back surface 25b spanningfrom the proximal end portion to the distal end portion and across theopposing side portions of the top member. The housing 1 can also includea bottom member 3 that is configured to couple with the perimeterportion of the top member 2. The bottom member 3 of the housing 1 caninclude a front surface, a back surface, and a side wall that extendsaround at least a portion of a perimeter of the bottom member. The sidewall of the bottom member 3 can include an inner surface and an outersurface. The perimeter portion of the bottom member 3 can include achannel 10 and a gasket 15, such as a compressible O-ring, positioned atleast partially therein, as shown in FIG. 3A of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/029,739. The top member can have a flexible overmold and afirst clasping mechanism 27 that runs along a portion or the entireperimeter of the top and/or bottom member.

As can be seen with respect to FIG. 3A of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/029,739, the front 25 and back 35 surfaces of the top 2 andbottom 3 members of the housing 1 include a perimeter portion 20 and 30,respectively. As depicted, the top member 2 includes a perimeter portion20. The perimeter portion 20 can include an interior perimeter portion20a and an exterior perimeter portion 20b. The interior perimeterportion 20a can be made of a rigid material, such as a polycarbonatematerial or other polymer material, and can be configured forassociating with an enclosed device so as to secure the device withinthe housing 1 and to dampen the transference of shock from the outerside of the housing to the interior of the housing. The exteriorperimeter portion 20b can be composed of a flexible material, such as athermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and can be positioned above and along aside of the interior perimeter portion 20a. The outer perimeter portion20b may function to reduce the magnitude of a shock force resulting froman impact.

As can be seen with respect to embodiments shown in FIGS. 2D, 3A, and 3Din U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739, the top member 2 caninclude a first clasping mechanism 27, and the bottom member 3 caninclude a second clasping mechanism 37. The first and second claspingmechanisms (27, 37) can extend along the respective perimeters of thetop and bottom housings (2, 3). During assembly of the housing 1, thefirst and second clasping mechanisms 27, 37 can be configured to engageone another in such a manner so as to couple the top 2 and bottom 3members of the housing 1 together to form a waterproof housing.

The second clasping mechanism 37 of the bottom member 3 can interfacewith the first clasping mechanism 27 of the top member 2 to maintain thetop member and the bottom member coupled together to form a waterproofhousing 1. The waterproof housing 1 can also include a waterproofcompartment that includes either a compartment door 205 or a slidingdrawer 105 as described herein. A compartment gasket (similar to thegasket 15 shown in FIG. 3A of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/029,739) can be formed around a perimeter of the sliding drawer 105or the compartment door 205, and the compartment gasket can beconfigured to provide a watertight seal against a rear surface of theprotective case when the waterproof compartment is closed. Either adynamic member (e.g. door or drawer) or a stationary member (e.g.protective case body) can contain a compartment gasket. In someexamples, the compartment gasket may be positioned in a gasket channellocated proximate the perimeter of the sliding drawer 105 or compartmentdoor 205. In other examples, the compartment gasket may be positioned ina gasket channel located on a rear surface of the protective case (e.g.100, 200). In some examples, the opposed member that does not include agasket channel may have an impinging member that extends downwards froman interior surface of a perimeter member. The impinging member can beinsertable into the gasket channel to compress against the compartmentgasket when the top and bottom members are coupled together so as toseal the interface there between. In various embodiments, a gasketchannel need not be included. Rather, the top or bottom member may becoated with a sealing member, and the impinging member on the opposedsurface of the top or bottom member interacts directly with the sealingmember to seal the interface. A clasping mechanism, such as an internalor external clasping mechanism, for instance, a circumferential claspingmechanism, e.g., within the channel, may be included, to secure the topmember against the bottom member and thereby further seal the interfacebetween the two.

Many electronic devices include an interactive touch screen made from,in part, sheet toughened glass and an array of touch sensors (e.g.capacitive or inductive touch sensors). Many users prefer the feel ofmaking direct contact with their finger to the touch screen surface asopposed to making direct contact with a transparent polymer sheet thatcovers the touch screen surface. To eliminate the need for a polymerscreen cover disposed over the device's touch screen to achieve awaterproof case, the protective case (e.g. 100, 200) can instead includea top member gasket 15a that is configured to seal against a perimeterof a front surface of the electronic device, as shown and described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583, filed Jun. 13, 2012, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The top membergasket 15a can be positioned within a top member channel 10a and canfunction such that as the top member 2 is installed on an electronicdevice, the top member gasket 15a contacts a surface of an electronicdevice, such as a top surface of the touch screen, and is therebycompressed against the surface of the electronic device forming a sealtherewith. The seal is further secured by the top member 2 being coupledto the bottom member 3 so as to form the housing 1. The seal generatedby the coupling of the top member 2 with the electronic device and/orthe further coupling of the top member 2 with the bottom member 3 is asecure, substantially waterproof and/or water resistant and/orsubstantially shockproof and/or substantially shock resistant sealbetween the member 2 and the top surface of the electronic device, suchas a top surface of a touch-sensitive display.

Any of the waterproof protective cases (housings) described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583 can be combined with a waterproofcompartment as described herein to provide a fully waterproof protectivecase (e.g. 100, 200) that includes a waterproof storage compartment, andpermits direct interaction with the electronic device's touch screen.The waterproof compartment can include either a compartment door 205 asshown in FIGS. 3-5, or a sliding drawer 105, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.A compartment gasket (similar to the gasket 15 shown in FIG. 3A of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739 or similar to the gasket 15ashown in FIGS. 4C-4J of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583) canbe formed around a perimeter of the sliding drawer 105 or thecompartment door 205 or around a perimeter of the back surface of thebottom member 3.

The compartment gasket can be configured to provide a watertight sealbetween the sliding drawer 105 (or compartment door 205 in otherexamples) and the rear surface of the housing 1 when the waterproofcompartment is in a closed position. Either a dynamic member (e.g. dooror drawer) or the stationary member (e.g. protective case body) cancontain a compartment gasket. In some examples, the compartment gasketmay be positioned in a gasket channel located proximate the perimeter ofthe sliding drawer 105 or compartment door 205. In other examples, thecompartment gasket may be positioned in a gasket channel located on aback surface of the bottom member 3 of the housing (e.g. 100, 200). Insome examples, the opposed member that does not include a gasket channelmay have an impinging member that extends downwards from an interiorsurface of a perimeter member.

The impinging member can be insertable into the gasket channel tocompress against the compartment gasket when the top and bottom membersare coupled together so as to seal the interface there between. In someembodiments, a gasket channel need not be included. Rather, the top orbottom member (2, 3 in Ser. No. 13/517,583 or Ser. No. 14/029,739) mayinclude a sealing member (e.g. an overmolded gasket or a form-in-placegasket), and the impinging member on the opposed surface of the top orbottom member can interact directly with the sealing member to seal theinterface. A clasping mechanism, such as an internal or externalclasping mechanism (e.g. a circumferential clasping mechanism) may beincluded, to secure the top member against the bottom member and therebyfurther seal an interface between the two members to form a liquid-tighthousing.

In examples shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739, awaterproof housing 1 for a personal electronic device can include a topmember 2 having a perimeter portion forming a proximal end portion, adistal end portion, and opposing side portions. The top member 2 caninclude a first clasping mechanism 27 extending around at least aportion of the perimeter portion of the top member. The housing 1 caninclude a bottom member 3 having a perimeter portion forming a proximalend portion, a distal end portion, and opposing side portions. Thebottom member 3 can have a front surface and a back surface spanningfrom the proximal end portion to the distal end portion and spanningacross the opposing side portions of the bottom member. The bottommember 3 can include second clasping mechanism 37 extending around atleast a portion of the perimeter portion of the bottom member.

The housing can include a gasket (e.g. 15) positioned in a channel (e.g.10) located in the perimeter portion of the bottom member 3. Theperimeter portion of the top member 2 can be configured to press againstand compress the gasket in the gasket channel when the first claspingmechanism 27 engages the second clasping mechanism 37 when top member 2is coupled to the bottom member 3 to form the waterproof housing 1. Thewaterproof housing (e.g. 1, 100, 200) can also include a waterproofcompartment proximate a back surface of the bottom member 3. Thewaterproof compartment can be defined by a volume located between aninner surface of a compartment door 205 or sliding drawer 105 and theback surface of the bottom member 3. The waterproof compartment can beconfigured to store one or more items other than the personal electronicdevice (e.g. payment card, identification card, SIM card, memory card,keys, cosmetics, or cash). The one or more stored items can beaccessible when the compartment door 205 or sliding drawer 105 is in anopen position, and the one or more stored items can be concealed whenthe compartment door or drawer is in a closed position.

In examples shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/517,583, thewaterproof housing 1 can further include a top member gasket 15aextending from an inner perimeter portion of the top member 2. The topmember gasket 15a can be configured to contact and compress against atop surface of the personal electronic device to form a liquid-tightseal therewith when the personal electronic device is installed in thetop member 2 and when the top member is coupled to the bottom member 3to form the waterproof housing 1.

In some examples, the waterproof compartment 1 can include a slot formedon an inner surface of the sliding drawer 105 (see, e.g. FIGS. 10, 13,and 16) or formed on an inner surface of the compartment door 205,depending on the configuration and functionality of the protective case.The slot can receive and retain a SIM card, computer memory card,payment card, or identification card.

In some examples, the waterproof case or housing (1, 100, 200) caninclude a mirror attached to or formed on an inner surface of thecompartment door 205 or sliding drawer 105 or attached to a back sidesurface of the protective case. The housing can also include a quantityof cosmetics disposed within a shallow receptacle formed in an innersurface of the waterproof compartment. In some instances, a cosmetictool for applying the quantity of cosmetics can be removably attached tothe inner surface of the waterproof compartment.

The compartment can provide enhanced security for stored payment cards.In some examples, the compartment can include a shielding material thatprotects any payment cards having magnetic strips or electroniccomponents from being damaged or interfered with by magnetic fieldsoriginating outside of the compartment or protective case. The magneticshielding can also protect any payment cards having magnetic strips orelectronic components from being damaged or interfered with by magneticfields produced by the personal electronic device housed in theprotective case or housing (e.g. 1, 100, 200).

In some instances, the shielding material can cover all internalsurfaces of the compartment and can include, for example, a thin layerof metal foil, magnetic shielding polyester (PET) film, metalizedfabric, metalized glass fiber (MGF), or a thin layer of metallic paint.In some instances, the shielding material can be integrated or mixedinto the material used to form the compartment door 205 or slidingdrawer 105 of the compartment and, therefore, may not be a separatecomponent from the door or drawer.

When a payment card or electronic component is stored within the closedcompartment, the shielding material can prevent information that isstored within or on any payment card or electronic component (e.g. RFIDchip) from being inadvertently or maliciously read by a wireless cardreader. This security feature can prevent a user's payment cardinformation from being acquired by another person unbeknownst to theuser. This feature can also prevent a mobile point of sale frominadvertently acquiring the user's payment card information as a resultof the user's payment card being in close proximity to the mobile pointof sale even though the user has not initiated or approved a commercialtransaction.

Cases described above include a system for connecting a case (100) to asliding drawer (105). Included in that system were described a firstrail 125 disposed along a first edge of the sliding drawer and a secondrail 130 disposed along a second edge of the sliding drawer. These rails125, 130 of the sliding drawer 105 may respectively engage first andsecond rail receivers 140, 145 of the protective case 100. An alternatedescribed embodiment reverses the rails and rail receivers, where thesliding drawer 105 includes first and second rail receivers (notillustrated) placed along the first and second edges of the slidingdrawer 105, which rail receivers may engage first and second rails ofthe protective case 100. In a number of configurations illustrated inthe figures and described below, this rail connection system, amongother attachment structures, may be used to attach a number of modularaccessories in addition to the sliding drawer 105, as described infurther details below. In addition (or alternatively) to a slidingdrawer as described above, a modular accessory may include electricalcomponents that enable the modular accessory to enhance existingfeatures of a case or an encased electronic device and/or provide newfeatures. For example, the modular accessory may provide power,communication, storage memory, security, protection, and/or otherfeatures and functionality as described further below. The case itselfmay also include various components which may cooperate with suchmodular accessory to enhance the functionality of an electronic deviceencased by the protective case and/or of the modular accessory, alsodescribed in greater detail herein.

FIGS. 23A and 23B show a front and rear view of a case 2300, such asprotective case (1, 100, 200), for an electronic device. The case 2300may at least partially cover or enclose the electronic device asdescribed above and in descriptions incorporated by reference. The case2300 may include a physical connection system 2350 that permits secureattachment of one or more modular accessories. As described in detailbelow, the case 2300 may further provide features for facilitating ordirectly conveying wired and/or wireless communication, such aselectrical power and/or data communication between a physicallyconnected modular accessory and the case and/or between a physicallyconnected modular accessories and an electronic device installed in thecase, as described in greater detail below.

The physical and electrical structure and configuration described belowmay enhance the function of an electronic device enclosed or partiallycovered by the case, and the case with (and in some cases without)electronic device may be used with one or more modular accessoriesdescribed below. More specifically, modular accessories attachable tothe disclosed case may include features not otherwise available to theelectronic device. For example, a modular accessory, connected by adisclosed physical connection system to a disclosed case, may provide,to an electronic device installed in the case, additional sensing,communication, power duration, power harvesting, physical or datastorage, audio input or output, alternative communication protocols, andthe like as described further below with reference to specific modularaccessories. To begin, alternative structures for the case arediscussed, followed by general discussion of a modular accessory andvarious specific implementations. It will be appreciated that thegeneral descriptions of the case and modular accessory are applicablewith minor variation to embodiments not specifically disclosed.

The case 2300 may include a protective shell having a back portion 2310and at least one side 2315. In some embodiments the case may includetwo, three, or four sides 2315. The back portion 2310 may have a rear,external surface 2320 and a front, internal surface 2330 that isopposite the rear, external surface. Each of the sides 2315 may extendfrom a respective edge of the back portion of the case. The sides 2315may each extend in the same direction away from the plane of the backportion 2310. In some implementations, the sides 2315 may be integrallyformed with the back portion 2310. In some implementations each side2315 may join another of the sides. For example, an embodiment havingfour sides 2315 may be joined such that the sides together form aperimeter wall. The sides 2315 may be structured to contact and securelyhold corresponding sides of the electronic device. In particular, whenat least two sides of the case 2300 are formed on opposite edges of theback portion 2310, the two sides may hold the electronic devicetherebetween, and may be formed to apply pressure against thecorresponding sides of the electronic device when the electronic deviceis at least partially covered by the case 2300.

A front, internal surface 2430 of a back portion 2410 of a case 2400that receives a surface of the electronic device may include a cushionportion 2432 as illustrated in FIG. 24. The cushion portion 2432 may becompressed against the encased electronic device when the case receivesan impact, absorbing and/or distributing the force of the impact over awide area and thereby reducing force received directly at the encasedelectronic device.

A back portion 2410 and sides 2415 may be formed to receive or include afront portion 2440 of the case, which front portion may be compressible.The front portion 2440 may include an external rim 2444 that separates afront portion of an encased device (e.g., phone) from a surface on whichthe case may be placed. The front portion 2440 may also corner impactcushion members 2442 may be formed disposed at inside corners of thecase. It will be acknowledged that the corner impact cushion members2442 may in other embodiments (not shown) be disposed at externalcorners of the case, or may be formed in corner spaces formed betweensides 2415 of the back portion 2010. The front portion 2440 may alsoinclude button covers 2446 formed to fit in corresponding notches oropenings 2416 of the sides 2415 of the case 2400. Notches or openings2416 may in some implementations be left open to accommodate directaccess to buttons, switches, speaker openings, camera, flash, electricaland/or audio ports, and the like.

A case may include a rear external surface 2420 that separates a rearsurface of an encased electronic device from an attached modularaccessory or external resting surface. The rear external surface 2420may provide impact and scratch protection to the rear surface of theelectronic device. The rear surface may be transparent, translucent, oropaque. In some embodiments (not illustrated), the rear surface mayinclude patterns, designs, brands, and the like. As discussed above andbelow in further detail, the case may include a cavity between the rearexternal surface 2420 and front, internal surface 2430. In someembodiments the cavity may include a graphical element (photo, drawing,branding, etc.) which, when the rear external surface 2420 istransparent, may be viewable through the rear surface. The rear externalsurface may include a texture that may enhance grip or may providevisual appeal.

The back portion 2410 and/or the front portion 2440 of the case 2400 maybe formed of a rigid material as describe above with respect to FIGS. 1and 2. The case may additionally, or alternatively include a cushioncover or flexible member (not shown) that surrounds all or part of therigid shell. In an alternative embodiment the case may be formed mostly,or entirely of a flexible material. In another embodiment the case mayfurther include a front cushion portion that connects to the back andsides.

As mentioned above, the case may include a case-based portion of aphysical connection system for attaching a modular accessory to thecase. The case portion of the physical connection system may include oneor more physical connectors structured to mate with complementaryphysical connectors of a modular accessory.

In an illustrated embodiment, the physical connector(s) of the case mayinclude at least two rail receivers 2450 disposed along opposing edgesof the rear, external surface of the case. As illustrated in the bottomperspective view of FIG. 25, the rail receivers 2450 may be structuredto form a channel 2452 to slidably receive and securely retain at leastone modular accessory.

FIG. 26 shows the case 2400 together with a modular accessory 2600 suchas the above-described sliding drawer and/or modular accessoriesdescribed in detail below. Each modular accessory 2600 may includeaccessory-based (i.e., located on the accessory) physical connectorsthat engage the case-based (i.e., located on the case) physicalconnectors. The physical connectors may be implemented, in someembodiments, as a rail and rail-receiver system such as that describedabove (e.g., rails 120, 125, 130 and rail receivers 140, 145). Forexample, rails 2610 of modular accessory 2600 may engage rail receivers2450 of the case when the modular accessory 2600 is installed on thecase 2400, e.g., on a protective shell of the case. Again, the readerwill appreciate that placement of the rails 2610 and rail receivers 2450may be reversed. That is, the case may include rails, while the modularaccessory may include complementary rail receivers.

FIG. 27 shows an end view outline of a modular accessory 2600 to moreclearly show the position of the rails 2610 on the two sides of themodular accessory. It should be noted that FIG. 27 does not illustrateinternal details of the modular accessory.

Although a rail system is illustrated with a generallyrectangular-shaped smartphone and protective case in mind, it isrecognized that the present disclosure may apply to other shapes withlittle modification. For example, parallel rails or rail receivers maybe placed on a surface of a non-rectangular case and/or non-rectangularmodular accessory. Moreover, a rail and rail receiver system may employnon-parallel rails/receivers, such as semi-circular rails and railreceivers (requiring a twisting engagement). The case (e.g., 2400) inthe figures may have a generally rectangular shape, as seen when viewinga major surface of the case. The case 2400 may, as illustrated in, e.g.,FIG. 25, have rail receivers (channels, tracks) 2450 formed along thelongitudinal edges of the case. It is recognized that the rail receiversmay alternatively be formed along transverse edges of the case.

A physical connection system such as the rail and rail receiversdescribed above may include one or more retention structures to preventunintentional detachment of the modular accessory from the case. Forexample, the physical connection system may include one or more recessesalong the rail or rail receiver structured to accommodate a protrusionfrom the respective rail receiver or rail. The protrusion and recesswhen engaged may provide sufficient interference to preventunintentional sliding of the modular accessory while permitting forcedsliding of the accessory. In some embodiments, the case may include abutton or switch for releasing such retention structure of the physicalconnection system. For example, a button may be formed in the case andattached to a protrusion in the case which when pressed or pulled maydisengage the protrusion from a recess in the modular accessory. It isrecognized that a retention mechanism may be formed anywhere along thecase or modular accessory where the two touch when connected.

Other structures (not shown) for securing a modular accessory to thecase are disclosed. For example, the case may include a single railhaving a T-shaped cross section, the rail formed to slidably receive acomplementary T-shaped channel of the modular accessory. Formation ofthe T-shaped rail and complementary channel may be reversed; the railbeing formed on the modular accessory and the channel being formed inthe case. In another implementation, the modular accessory may includeL-shaped rails at outermost edges, the L-shaped rails formed to slidablyengage channels formed at the sides of the case.

The physical attachment system of the case and modular accessory mayalternatively include hooks and receptacles, clasping mechanisms such asbuckles, straps, adhesives, one or more tabs and corresponding slotsand/or the like (not shown).

The case may include openings for access to features of the electronicdevice. For example, the electronic device may include interactivecontrols such as a button, slider, switch, keyboard, camera lens, flash,indicator, sensor, antenna, or the like. The electronic device mayinclude one or more ports, such as audio, power, and/or data ports whichmay include an electrical plug or electrical receptacle or otherelectrical contact of the electronic device. The rigid shell may beformed to have openings that correspond to some or all such feature(s)for access thereto. In some instances, the case may include a flexiblemembrane covering one or more of the openings. The flexible membrane mayhave a form similar to a corresponding feature of the electronic device,or may have a different form. For example, the flexible membrane mayhave a shape corresponding to a volume rocker switch of a smartphone.The membrane may be sealed to the rigid shell, for example at edges ofthe corresponding opening in the case. The flexible membrane may beformed as part of the above-described cushion portion or cushion coveror may stand alone as a cover dedicated to a particular opening in thecase.

As discussed above, the case 2400 may include at least one cavitybetween the rear external surface 2420 and front, internal surface 2430.In some embodiments, the cavity may include electronic components 2800,as illustrated in FIG. 28, such as one or more of a power source 2810; aprinted circuit board 2820; one or more integrated circuits (such as amicroprocessor(s) 2830 and/or communication circuit(s) 2840), electricalconnectors 2850, one or more sensors 2860, one or more antennas 2870,and/or discrete electronic components 2880 (resistors, capacitors,inductors, coils, magnets, lights, transducers, and/or the like); and/orelectrical wiring/microstrip 2890, at least partially disposed in thecavit(ies) formed in the case. The block diagram of FIG. 28 is notintended to limit the size, layout or interconnection of the electroniccomponents 2800. For example, antenna(s) 2870 and connector(s) 2850 areillustrated as separate from the printed circuit board 2820, but in someconfigurations may be mounted to the printed circuit board. It shouldalso be understood that not all of the components are required in theelectronic circuitry of the case. For example, a simple battery case mayin some embodiments not require a processor, sensors, communicationscircuitry and/or discrete electronic components.

One or more of the electronic components 2800 may extend from the cavitythrough an opening in a wall of the cavity. For example, an electricalconnector 2850 may be disposed at one of the sides of the case andextend through an opening in the cavity in a position corresponding to acomplementary electrical port of an encased electronic device. Suchelectrical connector 2850 may, together with other components other thanthose in the case, convey power and/or data between the electronicdevice and electrical components internal to the case and/or between theelectronic device and electrical components external to the case, suchas electrical components of a modular accessory 2600.

A power source 2810 of the case 2400 may include one or morerechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, capacitors (including atleast super- or ultra-capacitors), fuel cells, solar cells, and/orkinetic energy harvesting devices. The power source 2810 may in someembodiments be removable from the case independent of a modularaccessory, or may be fixed within the case. The power source may haveany of various sizes, including but not limited to a common power cellsize as defined by ANSI C18.1M, Part 1-2001, or may have uncommon orcustom size and shape. For example, a case power source 2810 may includea “flat” battery that approximates the perimeter shape of the case whilemaintaining a thickness of a few millimeters. A battery used as thepower source may have any of various chemistries, including, but notlimited to lithium ion, lithium polymer, lithium phosphate,nickel-cadmium, lead-acid, nickel metal hydride, or the like.

One or more electrical contacts 2855 may be formed in the case 2400 forcontacting an electrically conductive portion of a modular accessory.(See also FIG. 24B.) For example, one or more of the physical connectors2450 of the case may include at least one electrical contact 2855positioned to align with an electrical contact of the modular accessorywhen the accessory is attached to the case. The electrical contact(s)2855 of the case may thereby convey an electrical signal to or from themodular accessory. The electrical contact(s) 2855 of the case may bedisposed in or along at least one of the above-described rail receivers.

Additionally, or alternatively, the electrical contacts 2855 may bedisposed in the rear, external surface 2420 of the case 2400 (notshown). In another embodiment, the case may include a portion whereinelectrically conductive material (e.g., electronic components/circuitry,a conductive strip, wire, or conductively doped portion of the casematerial) is disposed in the case between an electrical connector of thecase, and the electrical contact(s) may be formed in the case for atleast temporarily conveying an electrical signal to/from a modularaccessory. The electrically conductive material of the case may includeelectronic components or electrical circuitry, and the electroniccomponents 2800 may selectively intercept an electrical signal conveyedbetween the electrical connector 2850 of the case engaged with theelectronic device and the electrical contact 2855 at the exteriorsurface of the case for electrical connection to a modular accessory.

In some embodiments, the electronic components 2800 may be accessible atan interior side of the case. For example, removing the electronicdevice from the case may expose all or part of the cavity, or may exposeonly a particular electrical component. The arrangement may permitaccess to case electronic components 2800 and/or may permit anelectrical connection between the electrical components of the case anda connector or electrical contacts on the back or side of the encasedelectronic device. For example, in some smartphones a back housingportion of the phone may be removed to expose battery terminals, SIMcard terminals, memory card terminals, security feature terminals,sensor connection terminals, antenna terminals, or the like. Electricalconnection between the case electrical components 2800 and suchterminals may therefore permit use of those terminals to enhancecommunication, battery life, data communication, etc. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the cavity need not includeelectronic components in some embodiments, and the cavity may, asdescribed elsewhere herein, be used for storage of anything that willfit within the cavity's volume.

In other embodiments the cavity and any electrical components thereinmay be inaccessible to an end user, even when the electronic device isremoved. In some embodiments a transparent or translucent window orlight pipe may permit light to traverse the window. For example, aphotodiode in the cavity may receive light through such window, and/orlight from an LED in the cavity may be seen through the window or lightpipe.

Further as described above, the case may provide a measure of protectionagainst impacts, crushing, scratching and/or other damage to which theelectronic device would otherwise be susceptible. In some instances, thecase may provide a seal to prevent ingress of dust and/or water to atleast portions of the electronic device and thus prevent dust and/ormoisture from contacting at least those portions the electronic device.For example, the case may render the electronic device waterproof to aspecified depth, such as in compliance with an International Protectionrating of IP65, IP66, IP67 or IP68 via seals and/or clasping mechanismsstructured to keep water out of the case. The case may provide a rigidshell that contacts one or more of a perimeter of the electronic deviceand a major surface of the electronic device without substantiallypreventing ingress of dust and/or water.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a modular accessory 2900 for attachment to acase such as a case 2300, 2400 described above. FIG. 29 illustrates amodular accessory 2900 as attached to a case 2300, 2400, while FIG. 30provides a cross-sectional view of a modular accessory 2900. The modularaccessory 2900 may include an outer casing 2920 and an interior cavity2930. The outer casing 2920 of the modular accessory 2900 may include afirst major exterior surface 2940 that may be substantially planar tofacilitate attachment to a substantially planar surface of the case. Themodular accessory 2900 may also include one or more ridges 2950 and aload 2960 (e.g., electronic components). The ridges 2950, whenimplemented, may retain elements in place in the interior cavity 2930,such as the load 2960. It will be appreciated that term “substantiallyplanar,” with respect to the first major exterior surface 2940 mayinclude reasonable deviations from absolute planarity. For example, thefirst major exterior surface 2940 of the modular accessory may include aconcave or convex curve in one or more axes to complement an oppositecurve of a receiving surface in certain embodiments of the case.

The modular accessory 2900 may include an accessory-based (i.e.,disposed on the modular accessory) portion of a physical connectionsystem for attaching the modular accessory to the case. Theaccessory-based portion of the physical connection system may includeone or more physical connectors or receptacles structured to mate withcomplementary physical connectors of the case. One variation, in whichthe physical connection system includes rails 2910, is describedimmediately below. It will be acknowledged by the reader that otherembodiments of physical connection may be employed.

FIG. 30 illustrates that the modular accessory may include, as physicalconnector(s), at least rails 2910 disposed along opposing edges of thefirst major surface 2940 of the modular accessory 2900. The rails 2910may be structured to slidably engage rail receivers (such as 2350 or2450) of the case, which rail receivers may engage the rails 2910 whenthe modular accessory 2900 is installed on the case, e.g., on aprotective shell of the case. The rails 2910 may each engage a channel(e.g., 2452 seen, e.g., in FIG. 25) of the rail receivers 2450 intowhich the rails 2910 of the modular accessory may slide, thus securingthe modular accessory 2900 to the case (e.g., 2400). The rails 2910 maybe disposed at two parallel sides of the outer casing 2920 at oppositeedges of the first major exterior surface 2940 of the modular accessory,and may be formed integrally with the outer casing 2920. One of ordinaryskill will acknowledge that placement of the rails and rail receiversmay be reversed. That is, the case may include rails, while the modularaccessory may include complementary rail receivers.

In some implementations, such as illustrated in FIGS. 31A and 31B, acase 3100 may include multiple sets of rails, permitting a modularaccessory having rail receivers to be joined to the case in multiplepositions and/or orientations. For example, a rear-of-case set of rails3110 may permit attachment of a modular accessory having rail receiversto be attached to the back 3120 of the case, while a front-of-case setof rails 3112 may permit attachment of a modular accessory having railreceivers to the front 3130 of the case. For example, a modularaccessory may act be placed to protect a touchscreen of an encaseddevice, or may permit the user to easily carry more than one battery,etc.

Further still, as shown in the cross-section view of FIG. 32, the case3200 may incorporate both rail receivers 3210 and rails 3212 proximateeach other. This arrangement may permit attachment of an “inner” modularaccessory 3250 (e.g., having a thin profile) to be mounted to the caseusing a set of case-based rail receivers 3210, while mounting an “outer”modular accessory 3275 to the case over the inner accessory 3250 byusing the case-based rails 3212.

In another embodiment, the physical connection system may implemented bya flexible cover (not shown) that fits over at least part of the caseand at least one modular accessory. That is, a modular accessory may beplaced on the case and a flexible cover may fit over the modularaccessory and a portion of the case, thereby holding the modularaccessory against the case. The modular accessory may have a size and/orshape that extends to boundaries of the case and is thus sufficientlyheld in place by the flexible cover alone. Alternatively, in anembodiment utilizing a flexible cover to secure the modular accessory,the case may include guide ridges (not shown) that extend from a surfaceof the case and provide a boundary within which the modular accessoryfits, the guides preventing the modular accessory to slide around on thecase when covered by the flexible cover.

In another embodiment, the modular accessory may include a cavity on aninterior surface that faces the electronic device (e.g., phone) on whichthe case may be fitted. For example, FIGS. 33A-C show an embodiment inwhich a cavity 3310 of a modular accessory 3300 is exposed on aninterior side 3302 of the modular accessory, which interior side mayface a rear surface of a case (not shown). FIG. 33A shows a modularsubassembly 3320 that may occupy the cavity 3310 and front view of themodular accessory 3300. The cavity 3310 may be sized to accept one ormore removable subassemblies 3320, where each subassembly may be sizedto closely fit within boundaries of the cavity 3310, as illustrated, ormay fit only a portion of the cavity 3310. One subassembly 3320 may be abattery, while other subassemblies may include features such as thosedescribed below with respect to various modular accessories.

The modular accessory 3300 may include an electrical connector 3304 forelectrical connection of the modular accessory to an electronic deviceencased by a protective case (such as any of those described herein) towhich the modular accessory may be attached. The subassembly 3320 mayinclude a connector and/or contacts for electrically connecting thesubassembly 3320 to corresponding contacts or connector of the modularaccessory 3300. A cutout 3306 may permit optical exposure of features(such as a camera and/or flash or other sensors) of an encasedelectronic device. FIG. 33B illustrates a front view of modular assembly3300 with the subassembly 3320 installed in the cavity 3310. FIG. 33Cillustrates a side view of modular assembly 3300. An extension 3312 ofthe cavity 3310 may permit a user to easily remove the subassembly 3320by fitting a fingertip or tool into the extension to lift or pry out thesubassembly 3320.

The described arrangement using a subassembly may permit a user toinstall a fresh battery subassembly 3320 in the modular accessory 3300anytime, avoiding a need to recharge a non-removable battery of themodular accessory in order to use other electrical functions of themodular accessory. This arrangement may also permit a relativelyinexpensive means for battery replacement, as a replaceable batterysubassembly may not in some implementations require its own housing.

Embodiments of the modular accessory such as 2900, 3300 may include aload (2960 in FIG. 30) in the interior cavity 2930, 3310 of the modularaccessory. The load may include one or more electronic components 3400as shown by the block diagram in FIG. 34. The electronic components 3400may include one or more of a power source 3410; a printed circuit board3420; one or more integrated circuits (such as a processor 3430 andcommunications circuitry 3440), one or more electrical connectors 3450and/or electrical contacts 3455, sensors 3460, antennas 3470, discreteelectrical components 3480 (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors,coils, magnets, lights, transducers, and/or the like); and electricalwiring/microstrip 3490.

As an integrated circuit, a processor 3430 may include one or moremicroprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices, digitalsignal processors, graphics processing units and/or the like. Acommunication circuit 3440 may include devices configured to assembledata in transferrable increments (e.g., packets) via wired or wirelessdata communication protocols. Such protocols may include, but are notlimited to, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Universal Serial Bus (USB),Lightning, Thunderbolt, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart (aka Bluetooth LowEnergy, or BLE), near field communications, (NFC), ANT+, ZigBee, and/orproprietary protocols. Integrated circuits may also include memorydevices such as read only memory, random access memory, secure digitalmemory, and the like.

One or more of the electronic components of a modular accessory mayextend from the interior cavity through an opening in a wall of thecavity. For example, an electrical connector 3450 of the modularaccessory may be exposed at a side of the modular accessory through anopening in the cavity 2930, 3110. An electrical connector 3450 of themodular accessory may, for example, be disposed to mate with chargingand/or data cable for transferring power and/or data between the modularaccessory and an electronic device installed in an attached case, orbetween the modular accessory and an external device or power source.Such electrical connector 3450 may, together with other componentsinternal or external to the case, convey power and/or data between theelectronic device and electrical components internal to the case and/orbetween the electronic device and electrical components external to thecase.

One or more electrical contacts 3455 of the modular accessory may bedisposed at or along a portion the physical connector(s) of the modularaccessory (e.g., rails 2910) or at any position adjacent the case (e.g.,2400) for contact with corresponding contacts of the case (e.g., 2855).For example, a rail 2910 of the modular device for engagement with arail receiver 2450 of the case 2400 may include an electrical contact3455 that, when the rails of the modular accessory engage the railreceivers of the case, physically contacts a complementary electricalcontact 2855 of the case (see e.g., FIG. 24B). As discussed above withrespect to the case, this electrical contact 2855 of the case may alsoor alternatively be directly or indirectly electrically connected to aport or other connector of the electronic device.

In some embodiments a modular accessory may include elements related topower storage, power harvesting, and/or power transfer. In general thesemay be visualized in FIG. 34 as element 3410. A power-related modularaccessory may include an indicator (2905 in FIG. 29) that visiblyindicates one or more of an amount of power stored in a power storagedevice or a power transfer status (e.g., charging, discharging, powerlevel, etc.). Circuitry of a power-related modular accessory may includethe communications circuit 3440 that may communicate data to theelectronic device, e.g., for processing by the electronic device and/orpresentation by a display of the electronic device.

A power storage device, illustrated for example as 3410 in FIG. 34, of apower-related modular accessory may include one or more batteries. Themodular accessory may be structured to permanently enclose arechargeable battery and circuitry for charging the rechargeablebattery. Alternatively, the modular accessory may include an opening andcover/lid therefore, which cover/lid may be removed from the opening toexpose a portion of the interior cavity that includes terminals foraccepting one or more batteries. The opening thus permits insertion andremoval of the one or more batteries. In another embodiment, the modularaccessory may include a battery, capacitor, or super-capacitor, orultra-capacitor having a chemistry and/or configuration that facilitatesrapid charging from an external source. This quick charge modularaccessory may include receptacle for attaching a charging cable.Additionally, or alternatively, the quick charge modular accessory mayinclude a plug for direct connection to an A/C power source such as awall outlet. Such plug may be retractable, foldable, or even removablefor user convenience.

A power harvesting modular accessory may include solar, kinetic, orother power harvesting components as well as a power storage device(e.g., rechargeable battery) for storage of harvested electrical power.In one variation the power harvesting modular accessory may include afuel cell. In many embodiments power harvested may be sourced forstorage in a power source 2810 of the case or may be stored in a powersource 3410 of the modular accessory for transfer to the case or anencased electronic device, and/or may be consumed by electronics of themodular accessory itself.

A power transfer modular accessory may include circuitry (e.g.,including some or all of electrical components 3400) for transferringpower wirelessly between an external wireless power source and a batteryof the modular accessory, or between an external wireless power sourceand a battery of the case, or between an external wireless power sourceand a battery of an encased electronic device. For example, the modularaccessory may include an antenna such as antenna 3470 (commonly, but notlimited to, a coil) for receiving electromagnetic energy in accord witha wireless power transfer protocol, and a processor and relatedcircuitry configured to communicate power via one or more of wirelesspower transfer protocols of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), PowerMatter Association (PMA), Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP), and/orothers. The modular accessory may include a wireless power transmitter,including a transmission antenna (e.g., 3470 which for power transfer iscommonly, but not necessarily a coil) configured to wirelessly releasepower stored in a battery of the modular accessory, and/or may include awired power conveyance structure.

For example, some electronic devices may have built-in circuitry forreceiving wireless power transfer. In some wireless power transferschemes, any intermediate circuitry or even non-circuitry that increasesa distance between a wireless power receiver and transmitter, may reducethe efficiency of a wireless power transfer to the point ofnon-usefulness. A modular accessory having wireless power transferfeatures may thus include structure for increasing the efficiency, or atleast minimizing a reduction in wireless power transfer efficiency. Onestructure may include use of two wireless power transfer antennasdisposed on or in opposite surfaces of the modular accessory, the twoantennas being connected together to convey a received wireless powertransfer from one antenna to another. One of the antennas may be placedin close proximity to an external power transmitter, while the other ofthe antennas may be disposed in close proximity to a wireless powerreceiver of the case or electronic device. Intermediate circuitry may beutilized to actively or passively adjust reactance, impedance, and/orother electrical characteristics that affect efficiency in an antenna.

A health and fitness modular accessory may include sensors formonitoring health and fitness characteristics of the user. For example,the modular accessory may include one or more of a heart rate monitor, aconnection and circuitry for a radiological probe (e.g., ultrasound),Doppler, a radio for connection with external sensors (e.g., via ANT+ orother wireless communication radios), proximity sensor(s), glucometer,insulin pump, pulse-oximeter, blood pressure, thermometer, bloodpressure monitor, EKG, ECG, weight scale, vein illuminator,dermatological light, nebulizer, and/or camera with receptacle for nasalor ear specula, breathalyzer and the like. The health and fitnessmodular accessory may additionally, or alternatively include circuitry,such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, to obtain time andposition information for use with monitoring a variety of positionalbased health statistics. The health and fitness modular accessory may insome embodiments include an air quality monitoring circuit which may beconfigured to monitor one or more of airborne pathogens, ionizationlevel, particulate levels, pollen, carbon monoxide, and the like.

The health and fitness modular accessory may include circuitry forcollecting, storing, processing, and/or communicating data collectedfrom the health and fitness sensors and components to the electronicdevice or via electronics of the case. In addition to, or as analternative to wired communications, e.g., via a USB connection,communication circuitry of a health and fitness modular accessory (andof any other modular accessory) may be configured to utilize protocolsin accord with one or more wireless communication standards, such aBluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, near field communications(NFC) and the like for wireless communication with an electronic deviceinstalled in a case attached to the modular accessory.

An audio-oriented modular accessory may include one or more microphones,speakers, headphones, and/or radios. For example, a modular accessorymay include a high-fidelity microphone or array of microphones forcapturing audio. The modular accessory with microphone(s) may furtherinclude an analog to digital converter and/or other processing circuitryfor processing audio captured by the microphone(s). Such embodiment mayenable capture of audio signals with higher fidelity than possible withthe electronic device alone.

In another embodiment, an audio-oriented modular accessory may includeone or more audio speakers, such as a flat panel speaker. Each speakermay be a separate element attached to the modular accessory. In anotherembodiment the modular accessory may itself constitute the speaker,where an internal exciter causes a surface of the modular accessory toproduce sound. In another embodiment, the modular accessory may includeat least two speakers, at least one of which may be removed from themodular accessory for separation in playback of a multichannel audiosignal. The separable speaker(s) may electrically attached by wire, ormay include a battery and circuitry for wireless receipt, amplification,and playback of an audio signal. Such speaker, in some implementations,may be sized for use in or on a user's ear(s) (e.g., earbuds).

An audio-oriented modular accessory having playback structures such aspeakers may connect to the electronic device via a dedicated audioport, such as the audio jack found in many mobile phones, or may receiveaudio data in a digital form to be converted for analog playback by adigital to analog converter (DAC) and amplified prior to speakerdelivery. A premium audio playback modular accessory may include one ormore high fidelity DACs, parameter-matched discrete components, and insome embodiments may even accommodate one or more vacuum tubes for apre-amplification stage.

In another embodiment, an audio-oriented modular accessory may includecircuitry for receiving and tuning a frequency modulated (FM) radiosignal, an amplitude modulated (AM) radio signal, a shortwave radiosignal, and/or a weather band radio signal. The received and tuned radiosignal may be directed to the electronic device for playback orprocessing therein. Alternatively, the modular accessory may includecircuitry for amplifying and playing back the received, tuned radiosignal directly.

According to some embodiments, the audio-oriented modular accessory maybe implemented as an enhanced sliding drawer, similar to the slidingdrawer described above with respect to, e.g., FIGS. 1-2. FIGS. 35A and35B show a case 100 having a sliding drawing 3505 that includes aspeaker 3507. The speaker 3507 is shown facing toward the case, but inother implementations may face away from the case. The case-facingorientation may permit the speaker to be protected from elements andcollection of dust through a grill (3509). As discussed above, thespeaker itself may be selected from several types, including traditionalcone-and-magnet voice coil type speaker. Other types may accommodate athinner profile.

A visual-oriented modular accessory may include a graphics projector,such as to project an image or video. For this purpose, thevisual-oriented modular accessory may include one or more of a smallimage-generating device, such as an LCD panel, a light source to projectthe image and lens for focusing and/or expanding the image to beprojected.

In another embodiment, a visual-oriented modular accessory may include adisplay panel, distinct from a display panel of an electronic deviceencased by a case to which the modular accessory is attached. Thedisplay panel of a modular accessory may be a low power (such as abi-stable) display, such as e-ink. Or in some embodiments, the modularaccessory may include a high-resolution color LCD or LED display panel.In either instance, the modular display panel may include imageprocessing circuitry to receive an image and cause the display panel ofthe modular accessory to display at least a portion of the receivedimage.

A modular accessory having a low-power (e.g., e-ink) display panel mayreceive simple images that need not change with great frequency. Forexample, the display may present a time of day, a shopping list, a to-dolist, a favorite quote, a graphic, or the like. The image to bedisplayed may be received from an associated electronic device encasedby the case to which the modular accessory is attached. In anotherimplementation, the visual-oriented modular accessory may include amemory device and circuitry to receive and store a limited number ofimages and to cycle through such stored images. A button may be includedin the modular accessory to effect changes to the displayed content.

In embodiments in which the display panel of the modular accessory mayreceive data from the encased electronic device with which the modularaccessory is attached via a case, the display may be changed at anytime. The electronic device may execute an application that communicatesimages to the visual-oriented modular accessory. Such application maycommunicate with other applications executed by the electronic device inorder to receive data to be displayed by the modular device display. Forexample, an application for providing graphic information to the modularaccessory display may obtain data from a contacts list, a task list, aphoto gallery, a calendar, a time-of-day application, a weatherapplication, or the like.

In the instance of a monochrome e-ink display, the application mayanalyze an image to be displayed and process the image for enhancedviewability on the monochrome display. For example, the application maycause the electronic device to process an image based on variousluminance and/or chrominance thresholds to convert the image to a blackand white representation.

Carrying an electronic device is, or is becoming, ubiquitous. Portablephones, for example, are carried by a large and growing percentage ofpeople globally. Another very common electronic device, though lessfrequently portable, is a television set. Most television sets and othertypes of audiovisual equipment, among other devices, include an infrared(IR) receiver that receives signals from a dedicated remote. Althoughsuch remotes, and even aftermarket “universal” IR remotes are available,the number of portable devices a person must keep track of seems togrow. It may be sensible in many circumstances, therefore, to reduce thenumber of devices by combining functionality. While some smart phonesinclude an infrared transmitter, most phones currently do not.

Accordingly, a modular accessory having an infrared transmitter andrelated circuitry may be connected to a case for an electronic device. Amodular accessory having an infrared transmitter may include circuitryfor receiving data via a physical electrical connection from theelectronic device via electronic circuitry of the case. In anotherembodiment, the modular accessory with IR transmitter may receive thedata from the electronic device wirelessly according to a standard orproprietary protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, andthe like).

To power the IR transmitter and related circuitry, the modular accessorymay include a power source 3410 such as any of the power sourcesdiscussed above, or may receive power from a power source 2810 of thecase to which it attaches. The modular accessory with IR transmitter mayinclude one or more buttons. Each button may be pre-programmed, eitherby a manufacturer or by the user, to perform a specific function. Forexample, in one embodiment a button may be configured to send a “poweron” signal to a receiving device (e.g., audiovisual equipment). In otherembodiments, the modular accessory with IR transmitter may merelytransmit an IR signal in response to the press of a button ortouchscreen area of the encased electronic device, where the electronicdevice sends a signal to the modular accessory for transmission via theIR transmitter of the modular accessory.

In an embodiment in which the modular accessory with IR transmitterincludes its own power source and buttons, the modular accessory mayfunction as a standalone remote control when disconnected from the caseand electronic device. In this instance, the electronic device may beused to program the modular accessory.

One example of a case having removable remote is illustrated in FIG.36A. A case 3600, may include a receptacle 3610 for receiving aremovable remote 3620 or other modular accessory(ies) that may use aninterference fit in the receptacle 3610. The removable remote 3620 mayinclude electronic components (e.g., 3400) that use power from a powersource (e.g., 3410) and discrete components (e.g., 3480) and/or othercomponents to effect remote control communications. The remote 3620 mayhave one or more buttons 3622, each of which may be assigned arespective function. It will be appreciated that the buttons, shown in acircular pattern in FIGS. 36A and 36B, may be implemented in otherlayouts and shapes. FIG. 36A shows a rear perspective of the case, withthe remote 3620 occupying the receptacle 3610. FIGS. 36B and 36Cillustrate the remote when removed, in front and rear viewsrespectively. FIG. 36D illustrates a rear perspective view in which theremote 3520 is placed in the receptacle 3610 with the buttons 3622facing inward. This arrangement may protect the buttons from impacts,scratches, etc. Case 3600 may include electronic components as describedwith respect to FIG. 28.

The removable remote 3620 may include a power source (e.g., 3410) suchas a battery, as described above, for powering the remote when inoperation, and when separate from the case 3600. The remote 3620 may,when occupying the receptacle 3610 may receive power from a power source(e.g., 2810) of the case 3600, and/or from a power source of anelectronic device enclosed by the case 3600, in order to recharge thepower source of the remote 3620. This arrangement may also permit theremovable remote 3620 to recharge from an external power source (e.g.,A/C wall plug) via electrical connection through the case and/orelectronic device. The removable remote 3620 may include an IRtransmitter and/or a radio frequency transmitter/receiver similar towhat is described in the preceding paragraphs. In another embodiment(not shown), the removable remote may be a subassembly removable from amodular accessory, which in turn may attach to a case as described inembodiments above.

Alternatively, a modular accessory with IR transmitter may act as arepeater. In this instance, the modular accessory may be spaced from theelectronic device by a distance (even a different room may feet away,separated by a wall), and yet may relay and/or translate a wirelesssignal received from the electronic device and transmit the signal to areceiving device (e.g., audiovisual equipment). In order to accommodatethis functionality, the modular accessory may include a power source,communication circuitry for receiving an electromagnetic signal from theelectronic device, processing circuitry for converting a receivedwireless signal to an infrared signal, and the infrared transmitter. Insome embodiments, such modular accessory may include circuitrypermitting the reverse transmission. That is, the modular accessory mayinclude an infrared receiver for receiving feedback from a device thatcommunicates via IR. The modular accessory in this configuration maytranslate or otherwise process the received infrared signal so that itmay be transmitted via wireless transmitter to the electronic device(e.g., smart phone).

A memory expansion modular accessory may include one or more receptaclesfor receiving a flash memory card, such as a secure digital card. Amodular accessory according to this disclosure may, similar to the SIMcard carrying cases described with reference to FIGS. 10-22 may,alternatively, be configured to hold one or more memory cards. Incertain embodiments, at least one of the protective case 100 and thesliding drawer 105 may include circuitry for electrically connecting amemory card to the electronic device held in the protective case 100.Consider the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 14A-C. In anembodiment in which an opening 186 is configured to hold one or morememory cards, such as an SD flash memory card, the back side surface 150(as in FIG. 11) or the front side surface (as in FIG. 14B) may includeelectrical contacts aligned to contact electrical contacts of the memorycard. Such electrical contacts of the back side surface 150 or frontside surface may provide an electrical connection, such as a dataconnection between the memory card and electrical circuitry of theprotective case 100. The electrical circuitry of the protective case mayinclude wiring and a connector for connection with an electrical port ofthe electronic device such as, but not limited to, a USB or Lightningport. In another embodiment, the case may include a microcontroller ormicroprocessor that interfaces a memory card for use with a wired serialconnection and/or with a wireless data connection to the electronicdevice, which acts as host to the memory card(s).

It will be appreciated that the sliding drawer 186 may, similar in partto what is shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, include slots for receiving oneor more memory cards (in place of the slots for SIM cards in FIG. 22B).The case and sliding drawer 186 may include circuitry for switchablyselecting one of several memory cards for electrical connection with theencased electronic device, or may permit all memory cards held by thecase to be simultaneously accessed by the encased electronic device viacircuitry of the case.

Any of the modular accessories described herein may include one or morelighting devices. The lighting device may be an indicator such as one ormore LEDs, OLEDs, laser, electroluminescent devices, phosphorescentelements or the like. LEDs may be multi-colored and thus capable ofbeing programmed to any of many colors, or may be capable of only asingle color. In some instances the lighting device(s) may be useable asa flash for use with a camera of the electronic device. In otherinstances, the lighting device may include a laser pointer such as maybe used for a presentation. In each instance, the light may accept powerfrom a battery of the case or may be configured to use power from apower source integrated with the modular accessory having the lightingdevice or power from another modular accessory used in concert with themodular accessory having the lighting device. The modular accessoryhaving a lighting device may include additional circuitry, such as alighting controller. The modular accessory having a lighting device mayalso include one or more buttons. The button(s) may turn the light ofthe modular accessory on or off, or may change the amount or quality oflight produced in concert with circuitry of the modular accessory or ofan associated electronic device. In other instances the button(s) maysend a signal to the electronic device to effect a function.

Each lighting device of the modular accessory having a lighting devicemay in some embodiments be controlled by an application executed by theelectronic device. For example, the application may cause a light of themodular accessory to be turned on in response to a notification receivedor generated by the electronic device, such as a time-based alarm, adata receipt (e.g., email or text message), or another indication. Inother instances the modular accessory having a light may be controlledin response to a signal from another modular accessory. For example, amodular accessory that detects proximity of another device (e.g., via aBLE proximity profile) may transmit a signal to the modular accessoryhaving a light to control one or more of the light of the modularaccessory having the light(s). Alternatively, such other modularaccessory may transmit a signal to the electronic device, which in turnmay illuminate, turn off, or otherwise control the light(s) of themodular accessory having the light.

A security modular accessory may include one or more security features.For example, the security modular accessory may include authenticationelements and/or personal defense elements. Authentication elements mayinclude a fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner, a vein pattern scanner,a button sequence interpreter or the like. Each of thesesensors/scanners may include additional electronic circuitry such as oneor more processors, memory, communication circuit(s) and the like. Theadditional electronic circuitry of the security modular accessoryincluding authentication elements may acquire data from thescanner(s)/interpreters, and report the data received directly tocircuitry in the case and/or electronic device for comparison with aknown authentication key. For example, a modular accessory with afingerprint scanner may obtain fingerprint data from the fingerprintscanner and transmit the fingerprint data to the electronic device. Theelectronic device may process the fingerprints data and/or compare thefingerprint data to a set of expected data stored in the electronicdevice or obtained from an external source, such as via an internetconnection. If the obtained authentication data, such as fingerprintdata matches the expected data, the electronic device may perform afunction, such as permitting access to features of the electronicdevice.

In another aspect of the security modular accessory havingauthentication elements, the modular accessory may include a lockablechamber having an electromechanical locking device that locks thelockable chamber. The authentication elements may control the lockingand unlocking of the lockable chamber. In another embodiment, thesecurity modular accessory having authentication elements may providedata to the electronic device, case, or another modular accessory tolock or unlock an electromechanically lockable chamber of the case orother modular accessory.

Personal defense elements of a security modular accessory may includeone or more of a chemical distribution element and an electroshockweapon. A chemical distribution element may include a container andsprayer for containing and projecting oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray)or the like. The chemical distribution element may not require anelectrical or data connection to the case or electronic device. However,in some embodiments, the chemical distribution elements may includeelectronic circuitry to monitor and report a chemical level in thecontainer, number of dispensing events, time of dispensing, amountdispensed, and the like. Such information may be useful for maintainingthe modular accessory in a state of readiness, or may be useful forforensic data.

A security modular accessory including an electroshock weapon mayincorporate an electrical storage device capable of very fast electricaldischarge for purposes of temporarily disabling an attacker, andelectrodes to deliver a high voltage, low current electrical shock fromthe electrical storage. The electrical storage device may be chargedfrom a battery of the case or by separate charging elements, such ascircuitry to charge from an A/C wall socket. The electrodes may fixedlyextend from a side of the security modular accessory, or may include aprojectile delivery mechanism to project the electrodes at an opponent.

As with a chemical distribution embodiment of the security modularaccessory, electronic circuitry may be included in the modular accessoryhaving an electroshock weapon to control and/or monitor a voltage levelof the electrical storage device thereof, to record time and/or amountof electrical discharge, and the like. An application executed by anassociated electronic device in the case to which the modular accessoryis attached may analyze, process, and/or report data obtained fromelectronics of the modular accessory.

As shown in FIG. 37, a folio modular accessory 3750 may be attached to aprotective case 3700. The folio modular accessory 3750 may include aflap or lid 3754 (in this view covering a bottom-facing portion of theprotective case 3700) attached to a hinge, such as a living hinge 3752at a side of the modular accessory 3750, which flap or lid 3754 may bebent or folded around an encased device 3700 to cover at least a portionof a screen of the electronic device, thereby providing protection fromscratches and the like. The flap or lid 3754 may be constructed of adeformable fabric, leather, rubber, TPE, and/or the like.

In another embodiment (not shown) the flap or lid may be formed of twoor more rigid portions hinged at the edge of the modular accessory andat a second area to fold around the case and encased electronic deviceto cover the touch screen. In some embodiments the folio modularaccessory may include electronic circuitry in the flap or lid, such as akeyboard. The flap or lid of the folio modular accessory may beconfigured to provide stand for hands-free viewing of a display of theelectronic device when the flap or lid is in an open position. The flapor lid may in other embodiments include a solar electricity collectingpanel.

Being removable, the folio modular accessory 3750 may permit a user toselect the folio modular accessory from a variety of modular accessoriesfor aesthetic preference. For example, the folio modular accessory maybe provided in a variety of colors, imprinted graphics, materials,features and arrangements. A user may exchange one folio modularaccessory for another depending on occasion, to match color or style ofthe user's attire, or to provide different functionality as needed.

Embodiments are disclosed in which a case may simultaneously receivemultiple modular accessories. It will be appreciated that each ofmultiple modular accessory may communicate data or power wirelessly tothe case and/or encased electronic device. However, non-wirelessembodiments may be advantageous in relatively radio-quiet environments,such as were sensitive electrical equipment may be operating. In suchcases, a plurality of modular accessories may include circuitry forchaining communications and/or power between each modular accessory. Thechained data communications may be serialized for communication via aserial link, such as USB. Electrical power may be linked to a sharedpower bus in accord with a USB standard. It will be appreciated thatother wired communication and power standards, or proprietary wiredcommunication and power protocols may be used. For example, modularaccessories may be connected via THUNDERBOLT, and/or other means.Modular accessories may communicate between themselves via onecommunication protocol, while communicating with an electronic device orexternal device by a different communication protocol.

While accessories above may suggest a size similar to, or smaller thanthe electronic device to which each modular accessory described abovepertains, a modular accessory may be larger, even much larger than theelectronic device with case. In some embodiments the case may bephysically attached to a large modular accessory to permit use of theelectronic device as a processing and/or communications base while themodular accessory provides features that are limited by the size of theelectronic device itself. For example, the modular accessory may attachto the case and electronic device to provide a larger portable displayand/or touchscreen, i.e., providing tablet-computer like features.

FIGS. 38-39 illustrate an example of such large modular accessory 3800.The large modular accessory may include electronic components asdescribed above (3400). The large modular accessory may further includea receptacle 3820 for receiving the case and/or electronic device(together shown as 3850). The receptacle 3820 may include ridges,detents, or the like (not shown) along an insertion path of the encasedelectronic device for securely holding the protective case in placeagainst the modular accessory when installed, and may include electricalconnectors (also not shown) for electrically connecting to theprotective case and/or electronic device 3850. The large modularaccessory 3800 may include a touchscreen and display 3810 that may beconfigured to mirror a display of the electronic device, and may includea speaker 3830 for outputting sound data. The large modular accessorymay also include electrical connectors 3840 for connecting the combinedmodular accessory and electronic device to an external device. Forexample, the electrical connectors may permit connection to a powersource for charging a battery of the modular accessory 3800 and/orelectronic device, an audiovisual cable (e.g., HDMI) for providing audioand/or video between the modular accessory and an external displayscreen and/or audio device. The large modular accessory 3800 may have astructure that permits the modular accessory to stand on its own, forexample via a kickstand (not shown) or a large flat surface 3825.

As shown in FIG. 39, the modular accessary 3800 may be attached to akeyboard device 3810. The keyboard device 3910 may include a support orhinge mechanism 3920, one end 3922 of which may be held by acorresponding receptacle 3915 of the keyboard mechanism. Another end3924 of the support or hinge mechanism may engage a correspondingreceptacle 3815 of the modular accessory (seen in FIG. 38). The supportor hinge mechanism 3920 may be purely mechanical or may includeelectrical contacts (not shown) to provide an electrical connectionbetween the modular accessory 3800 and the keyboard device 3910, e.g.for data and/or power transfer therebetween.

In other embodiments, the case may physically and electrically attach toa portable sound system to provide audio input or output capabilitiesnot possible in a small portable device, such as may be provided bylarge speakers, a compact disc reader, or the like.

In such “super module” implementation, the case may attach to themodular accessory using any of the above-mentioned connection elements.In implementations where a second, larger screen is provided, the casemay be attached to the screen-oriented modular device in a way thatprotects otherwise exposed features of the electronic device. Forexample, in embodiments where the encased device is a smart phone havinga touchscreen, the touchscreen of the smart phone may be covered by aback surface of the screen-oriented module, the touchscreen of the smartphone thus being protected from scratching when the combined electronicdevice, case, and smartphone are set down. In another implementation,the modular accessory may itself include a cavity into which theelectronic device may be fit. For example, a large screen-orientedmodular accessory may have a cavity formed in a back or side portionthereof for removably receiving the bare electronic device.

It will be appreciated that features described for various modularaccessories are not limited to any particular type of modular accessory.Thus, for example, a modular accessory may include a solar panel and aheart monitor, or a compartment for valuables and an NFC radio andcircuitry. Moreover, as described above, a case may be structured tohold more than one modular accessory, such that different features maybe mixed and matched as desired.

In some embodiments the case itself may include no electricalconnections or other electrical components. Instead, a modular accessorymay include components for electrically connecting directly to theelectronic device installed in the case, such as through an opening inthe case that exposes, e.g., a port of the electronic device. Forexample, the modular device may include a portion that extends from anend of the modular device, and an electrical plug to engage anelectrical port of the electronic device. When the modular accessory isinstalled on the case, the electrical plug may extend through an openingin a side wall of the case into the electrical port or receptacle of theelectronic device. This extension of the modular accessory may includeanother electrical connector to accept a charging and/or data transfercable.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, an electrical connectionbetween a modular accessory 2900 (see FIG. 29) and encased electronicdevice may instead be made via a separate adapter 4000. As shown in FIG.41, the adapter 4000 may include two or more electrical connectors. Morespecifically, a body 4010 may have a first electrical connector 4020disposed at and extending from a first end of the body 4010 forconnection to a modular accessory 2900. A second electrical connector4030 may be disposed at and extend from a second end of the body 4010for connection to a port of an electronic device. One or more wire(s) orother conductive material (not shown) disposed inside the body 4010 ofthe adapter 4000 may connect one of the two connectors to the other ofthe connectors. Thus, electrical signals received at the electricalconnector at one end of the adapter, e.g., from the modular accessory,may be conveyed by the wire(s) or other conductive material to theelectrical connector disposed at the other end of the adapter and thenceto the electronic device (or vice versa).

The adapter may also include a third electrical connector 4040, such asan electrical receptacle. This third electrical connector 4040 may beaccessible when the adapter is installed and may permits connection ofthe electronic device and/or modular accessory to a charging or datatransfer cable. In some embodiments of the adapter 4000, circuitry maybe included for intelligently directing electrical power and/or databetween the electronic device, modular accessory, and an externalsource. For example, when a cable is used to provide electrical powerfrom an external source, the circuitry of the adapter may direct theelectrical power to first charge a battery of the electronic device,then charge a battery of the modular accessory. When a cable isinstalled for data transfer, the circuitry may direct data stored inmemory of the modular accessory to an external device, or may directdata stored in memory of the electronic device to the external device,or vice versa. Such direction may be selectable by a user in someembodiments.

In still another embodiment, the adapter may itself include anelectrical power source, such as a rechargeable battery or capacitor.

A modular device may alternatively, or additionally, include wirelesscommunication circuitry for communication, e.g., with the electronicdevice or electronic components of the case. Likewise, the modularaccessory may include wireless power transfer circuitry for receivingpower from a wireless power charger and/or for transmitting power from abattery internal to the modular accessory to an installed electronicdevice configured to wirelessly receive power.

It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that, asdescribed above for a case 100, 200 with sliding drawer 105 orcompartment door 205, a case (2400, 3100, 3200, 3600, 3700) configuredto receive a modular device may provide a waterproof enclosure for anelectronic device. Such waterproof enclosure may include a channel 10with gasket 15 and first and/or second clasping mechanisms 27, 37 asdescribed and illustrated by U.S. application Ser. No. 14/029,739incorporated herein by reference. In many instances a modular accessory(2600, 2900, 3250, 3275, 3300, 3505, 3620, 3800) may be sealed toprevent internal access by a user, and such sealing may further providea watertight seal. A watertight seal between members of a modularaccessory housing (e.g., 2920) may include a channel (similar to thechannel 10 shown in FIG. 3A of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/029,739) in a first modular accessory housing member, with a gasket(similar to the gasket 15 shown in FIG. 3A of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/029,739) disposed in the channel, and a perimeter ridgeformed in a second modular accessory housing member configured to pressagainst the gasket when the first housing member is assembled to thesecond housing member. First and second clasping mechanisms (similar tothe first clasping mechanism 27 and second clasping mechanism 37 shownin FIG. 3A of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/029,739) may berespectively disposed on the first and second housing members of themodular accessory, where the first clasping mechanism engages with thesecond clasping mechanism to hold the two housing members together.Alternatively, housing members of a modular accessory may includeo-rings and compressive features to seal the housing together. In otherembodiments a modular accessory may be formed of a single housing membersuch that no waterproof seal is necessary, as no seams are formedbetween housing members. To the extent that a case or modular housingincludes electrical connectors, the electrical connectors may bewaterproof electrical connectors, such as a waterproof micro-USBconnector or the like.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the claims to the embodiments disclosed. Other modifications andvariations may be possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application to enable others skilled in theart to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the claims be construed to include other alternativeembodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical accessory for use with a portableelectronic device and with a protective cover for the portableelectronic device, the protective cover configured to receive and atleast partially enclose the portable electronic device, the electricalaccessory comprising: a body configured to slidably attach to a backside surface of the protective cover to removably affix the electricalaccessory to the back side surface of the protective cover; electricalcircuitry including wireless communication circuitry configured towirelessly exchange data with the portable electronic device when theelectrical accessory is removably affixed to the protective cover andwhen the portable electronic device is installed in the protectivecover; and an electrical connector affixed to the body of the electricalaccessory, the electrical connector configured to removably connect toan external power source for receiving electrical power from theexternal power source.
 2. The electrical accessory of claim 1 whereinthe body of the electrical accessory further includes one or more railsconfigured to engage with one or more rail receivers of the protectivecover, respectively, to removably affix the electrical accessory to theprotective cover.
 3. The electrical accessory of claim 1 wherein thebody of the electrical accessory further includes one or more railreceivers configured to engage with one or more rails of the protectivecover, respectively, to removably affix the electrical accessory to theprotective cover.
 4. The electrical accessory of claim 1 wherein thewireless exchange of the data with the portable electronic device isconducted according to a standardized wireless communication protocol.5. The electrical accessory of claim 4 wherein the standardized wirelesscommunication protocol is one of Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy. 6.The electrical accessory of claim 1 further comprising a speaker, thespeaker connected to the electrical circuitry and configured forproducing sound based on the data wirelessly received from the portableelectronic device.
 7. The electrical accessory of claim 6 furthercomprising a battery connected to the electrical circuitry, the batteryconfigured for powering at least the electrical circuitry and thespeaker.
 8. The electrical accessory of claim 7 wherein the battery is arechargeable battery.
 9. The electrical accessory of claim 8 wherein theelectrical circuitry is further configured to charge the rechargeablebattery using at least a portion of the electrical power received fromthe external power source.
 10. The electrical accessory of claim 7wherein the battery is removable from the electrical accessory such thatthe battery can be replaced in the electrical accessory with anotherbattery.
 11. The electrical accessory of claim 1 wherein the electricalcircuitry includes a computer processor.
 12. The electrical accessory ofclaim 1 wherein wirelessly exchanging data with the portable electronicdevice includes transmitting first data to the portable electronicdevice and receiving second data from the portable electronic device.13. The electrical accessory of claim 1 further comprising a microphone.14. A modular accessory system for use with a portable electronicdevice, the modular accessory system comprising: a removable protectivecover for the portable electronic device, the protective coverconfigured to receive and at least partially enclose a housing of theportable electronic device; an electrical accessory for use with theportable electronic device and with the protective cover, the electricalaccessory comprising: a body configured to slidably attach to a backside surface of the protective cover to removably attach the electricalaccessory to the back side surface of the protective cover; electricalcircuitry including wireless communication circuitry configured towirelessly exchange data with the portable electronic device when theelectrical accessory is removably attached to the protective cover andwhen the portable electronic device is installed in the protectivecover; and an electrical connector affixed to the body of the electricalaccessory, the electrical connector configured to removably connect toan external power source for receiving electrical power from theexternal power source.
 15. An electrical accessory for use with asmartphone and with a protective cover for the smartphone, theprotective cover adapted to receive and at least partially enclose thesmartphone, the electrical accessory comprising: a body adapted toslidably engage and attach to a back surface of the protective cover toremovably affix the electrical accessory to the back surface of theprotective cover; electrical circuitry including wireless communicationcircuitry adapted to wirelessly receive audio data from the smartphone;a speaker attached to the body and electrically connected to theelectrical circuitry, the speaker adapted to produce sound based on theaudio data wirelessly received from the smartphone; and a battery forpowering the electrical circuitry and the speaker.
 16. The electricalaccessory of claim 15 further comprising an electrical connector affixedto the body of the electrical accessory, the electrical connectoradapted for receiving electrical power from an external power source.17. The electrical accessory of claim 15 wherein the wirelesscommunication circuitry is further adapted to wirelessly transmit datato the smartphone.
 18. The electrical accessory of claim 15 wherein theelectrical circuitry further includes an audio amplifier adapted fordriving the speaker.
 19. The electrical accessory of claim 15 whereinthe body of the electrical accessory further includes one or more railsadapted to engage with one or more rail receivers of the protectivecover, respectively, to removably affix the electrical accessory to theprotective cover.
 20. The electrical accessory of claim 15 wherein thebody of the electrical accessory further includes one or more railreceivers adapted to engage with one or more rails of the protectivecover, respectively, to removably affix the electrical accessory to theprotective cover.